The Triangle of CharacterGary L. Patton, Ph.D. LPC

If you think about renowned leaders, the mention of their names, leads to memories of their deeds.

We are in essence thinking of their character.

What is this thing called character?

Why does it matter about public safety and protection?

Words / Actions Cognitive Processes Belief Systems

Our belief system actually guidesour thoughts, ideas, and behavior.

A roll call.Dwight EisenhowerColin PowellIdi AminNelson Mandela Saddam HusseinBilly GrahamJohn Wooden

IntegrityDo the right thing, in the right way, for the right amount of time.

CourageCourage is when you are scared to death and yet you do what you have to do.

Gen. Omar Bradley

Courage contd

Courage is the greatest virtue because it allows for all the others.

Discipline

The pain of discipline hurts less than the pain of regret.

Traits of First RespondersNeed to be in controlObsessiveCompulsiveHighly motivatedAction oriented

Traits contdHigh need for stimulationNeed for immediate gratificationEasily boredRisk takersHighly dedicatedNeed to be needed

Source: ICISF Jim Gunnels, Special Agent, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)

How can these fit into a sense of response to disaster and a sense of justice?

There are obviously some things in that list that can essentially go either way in terms of outcomes.

Do you want an obsessive, easily bored person who likes to take risks babysitting your children?

Probably not , however

Do you want an obsessive, easily bored, highly motivated, highly dedicated (disciplined) person who is willing to take risks who is known for impeccable integrity taking care of your children?

A reminder of our time in history..

The wisdom of Allan Greenspan

Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve

He observed a very basic and yet haunting point..

The common ingredient in all disasters, emergencies, and crisis.

is that something was unanticipated.

ExamplesThe Great Depression

9-11

School shootings

The UnanticipatedThe good guys have to guess ahead of the bad guys.

Once something happens, we often hear, nobody thought of this.

An example:

CASVE Model of Decision Making

Comes from the field of career planning.

Is an adaptable model for planning and triage.

Communication

Execution Analysis

Valuing Synthesis

Communication (Identify a gap)

Analysis (Interrelating problem components)

Synthesis (Creating likely alternatives)

Valuing (Prioritizing alternatives)

Execution (Forming means-end strategies)

Critical Thinking SkillsCritical = EvaluativeMinimize risksMaximize gainsAssess a situation for outcomesWork from a principle to an issueWork from an issue to a principle

Thinking is often casual and informal, whereas critical thinking deliberately evaluates the quality of thinking.

In productive problem solving you generate ideas (by creativity) and evaluate ideas (by criticality).

Critical Thinking and CharacterLinda Elder and Richard Paul in Valuable Intellectual Traits, describe the traits of: - courage - integrity - perseverance (discipline) as intrical to critical thinking.

A Point In PlanningWhatever does not get resolved gets repeated.

Inspiration Inspiration is helping to believe that they can do that which they previously believed themselves unable to do.

Gen. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Two things to keep in mind when delegating and hiringHire for attitude and train for skills.

2. The why influences the how.

IntegrityAccepting responsibility

No excuses and managing reasons

Upholding justice

Forgetting about perfection and pursuing excellence

DisciplineTraining a little harder

The easy day was yesterday

Do all you can do, and then do one more