In my profession, time on the job is a most valued asset. A 12 year officer is more valuable than a 6 year officer.

I’m not certain this value serves us as a profession very well. It’s possible to have ten years experience and it’s possible to have one year experience repeated ten times…. Sometimes it’s hard to know which is which.

One of my team leaders would finish police briefing every day with this catch-phrase: “Drive fast. Take chances”. Most sergeants close briefing with “Be careful” “Stay safe” etc, etc. But ‘Blanco’ (as he is known) knows the difference between 10 years and 1 year repeated 10 times.

Blanco was not supporting reckless or risky behavior. Instead he was passionate about learning something new everyday. He was about growth. Blanco knows that if we don’t challenge ourselves we will not grow. He knew that while growth is optional, the options to growth are not good.

It’s like the apples on the trees in my back yard…. Either they are growing or they are rotting on the vine. In nature, growth is NOT optional. It’s either growth or slow death.

When I started working for Blanco, he asked me what my goals as a police officer were. I told him I wanted to become part of the leadership team: I wanted to make Sergeant within 5 years. ‘Blanco’s’ advice: Do what makes you uncomfortable. Take risks. Try new things. In short he was telling me to not die on the tree… He told me to continue growing.

So my true goal is growth. Learn something new everyday.

Of course your mileage may vary.

Dr Jay