Homeland Security Leadership Style

Homeland security is a multifaceted discipline which mandates a variety of leadership styles. Irrespective of leadership style, to be successful, homeland security leaders must adopt specific principles. These principles establish a core set of beliefs, and contribute to becoming an effective leader. When leadership is effective it can create, “a climate of trust, growth, and development which can enhance performance” (Bates et al., 2010). As it pertains to homeland security, great leaders demonstrate four qualities: they will rely on empirical evidence rather than conventional wisdom; they are disciplined; they remain hypervigilant at all times, planning and preparing for all scenarios (Collins and Hansen, 2011), and they possess high
Homeland security leaders will be faced with challenging scenarios where need will always supersede preference. Though this can be difficult, leaders must maintain composure at all times and proceed forward with actions that are in the best interest of the organization, public, and nation. In application, a leader may be forced to reassign subordinates from one security matter to another due to budget constraints. Although frustrating, and possibly demoralizing to the employees who have dedicated time, and resources to their original task; they must focus on the new objective they’ve been presented with. A good leader, albeit equally frustrated, would withhold his or hers frustration, and present the change as an opportunity in an effort to garner
This can only be accomplished by understanding that extreme and ongoing stress often impairs people’s ability to concentrate and make good decisions (UNEST, n.d.). Leaders can take steps to offset these challenges by educating subordinates about the need to practice self-care as an ethical imperative, and fostering an organizational climate that supports effective coping (UNEST, n.d.). Leaders can also lead by example, that is, by modeling good coping practices for staff, both during normal work periods and throughout crisis response (UNEST, n.d.).
Vigilant leaders will recognize that their staff will possess vulnerabilities. To ensure resilience, they will plan accordingly and remain attentive to the demands which their personnel face. They will match an individual’s skills and strengths to roles that maximize competency and confidence within the organization (UNEST, n.d.). Vigilant leaders will rotate personnel through the most demanding assignments to avoid excessive stress or burnout (UNEST, n.d.). They will model self-care by taking breaks as warranted, eating will, and understanding when the body needs rest (UNEST,