Chief John Fisher - The Art of Police Leadership: Coaching Through Crisis and Change

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The CopDoc Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 153

What happens when a basketball coach becomes a police chief? Chief John Fisher of the Bedford, Massachusetts, Police Department brings a refreshingly human perspective to law enforcement leadership, replacing command-and-control with connection and coaching.

Fisher's journey from U.S. Coast Guard service through the ranks of Nashua, NH Police Department to his current role reveals a leadership style fundamentally shaped by his parallel career coaching high school basketball for over 30 seasons. "Coaching happens in split seconds," he explains, "but you still have to fall back on a coaching mentality. Same way we do in law enforcement."

At the heart of Fisher's approach is what he calls "the coaching sandwich" – opening with value recognition, suggesting improvement, and closing with encouragement. This technique acknowledges the reality that most police interactions involve people experiencing "their worst possible moment," requiring officers skilled in human connection more than tactical proficiency. When taking command of new departments, Fisher began by listening rather than dictating, meeting individually with officers to understand their perspectives before implementing change.

Fisher challenges traditional notions of police authority, recognizing that today's departments include officers spanning from their 20s to 60s, each generation requiring different leadership approaches. His philosophy emphasizes critical thinking through questions rather than commands, preparing teams for crisis through "what if" scenarios, and building community connections that transcend enforcement.

Whether you're in law enforcement, leadership, or simply interested in organizational culture, Fisher's insights offer valuable lessons on mentoring the next generation, navigating institutional change, and maintaining optimism while facing challenging realities. Ready to rethink what effective leadership looks like? Listen now and discover why Fisher believes "I am more optimistic now than I ever have been in my career."

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