By Steve Sweeting (aka Sgt Steve)
We’ve all encountered that one coworker who storms onto the scene like a hurricane, instantly escalating tensions and disrupting any semblance of calm. More often than not, their agitation started long before they stepped out of their vehicle, and their frenzied, combative demeanor is like throwing gasoline on a smoldering fire. The hard truth is that you cannot be an effective part of the solution if you are, in fact, contributing to the problem, especially when it comes to the critical skill of deescalation. That’s why it’s absolutely essential for Officers to master the art of deescalating themselves first, setting the stage for successful conflict resolution and maintaining the peace.
In today’s challenging environment, deescalation techniques have become essential tools for LEOs on the job. Drawing from battle-tested Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes rationality, self-control, and emotional mastery, LEOs can develop a unique skill set to successfully deescalate tense situations.
The Stoic Approach: Master Your Emotions
As a LEO, you are constantly faced with situations that can provoke strong emotions. This is where the Stoic philosophy can offer valuable guidance. At its core, Stoicism teaches that we cannot control external events, but we can control our reactions to them. By focusing on what is within our control and learning to master our emotions, we can maintain our composure during difficult encounters.
“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”
– Epictetus
This emotional control is crucial in deescalation. When you’re able to manage your emotions, you’re less likely to respond impulsively or aggressively, giving you the ability to communicate effectively with the individuals you encounter. In turn, this fosters trust and cooperation, making it easier for you to gain compliance and resolve the situation peacefully.
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Deescalate Yourself First: The Stoic Checklist
- Recognize your emotions: Take a moment to acknowledge and identify the emotions you’re experiencing. This self-awareness is the first step towards emotional mastery.
- Separate yourself from your emotions: Remind yourself that you are not your emotions. They are simply temporary reactions to external events. By detaching yourself from your emotions, you can observe them objectively and prevent them from dictating your actions.
- Focus on what is within your control: Instead of fixating on external events, concentrate on what you can control, such as your thoughts, actions, and reactions. This shift in focus empowers you to maintain your composure and make rational decisions.
- Practice negative visualization: Visualize the worst-case scenario in your current situation. By doing so, you mentally prepare yourself for potential difficulties and develop resilience in the face of adversity.
- Reflect on your role as a LEO: Remember your duty to protect and serve the community. Focus on the long-term consequences of your actions and strive to make decisions that align with your professional responsibilities and ethical principles.
Deescalation Techniques: The Stoic Approach
With a calm and rational mindset established, you can apply the following Stoic-inspired deescalation techniques:
- Active listening: Give your full attention to the individual you’re speaking with. This demonstrates respect and understanding, which can help to establish trust and defuse tension. Stoic mindfulness can help with this.
- Empathetic communication: Acknowledge the individual’s emotions and perspective, even if you don’t agree with them. This validation can help to ease tensions and open the door to cooperation. The stoic virtue of justice can help with this.
- Seek common ground: Identify shared goals or values and use them as a basis for collaboration. This can foster a sense of unity and facilitate peaceful resolutions. The Stoic virtue of wisdom is relevant to this skill.
- Maintain a confident and non-threatening posture: Your body language can significantly impact the outcome of an interaction. By projecting confidence and non-aggression, you can encourage cooperation and minimize the risk of violence. Utilize your discipline to keep control of your body and how you are outwardly presenting yourself.
By employing the Stoic principles of emotional control and rationality, LEOs can effectively deescalate tense situations and ensure the safety of all parties involved. By first deescalating yourself, you create the foundation for successful and peaceful resolution of conflicts. It’s important to remain open to new approaches that can enhance our abilities to serve and protect our communities. Embracing Stoic philosophy and incorporating its teachings into our deescalation techniques can provide valuable tools for navigating the complex and challenging situations we face daily.
Remember, it all starts with you. Deescalate yourself first.
