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E937 The Loneliness of Leadership: When No One Understands Your Position
In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton dive into one of the least talked about struggles of leadership in law enforcement and first responder careers—loneliness (Amazon Affiliate). Moving into a leadership role comes with increased responsibility, difficult decision-making, and a shift in relationships with peers. Many leaders find themselves caught between admin and their team, feeling disconnected from both. But leadership doesn’t have to mean isolation. This episode breaks down why leadership can feel lonely and provides five practical ways to maintain connections, balance authority, and lead without feeling alone. 1. Why Leadership Can Feel Lonely in First Responder Professions You go from being “one of the guys” to being the person in charge. You may feel like you can’t vent the same way you used to because others now look to you for stability. Peers may distance themselves out of fear of favoritism or because the dynamic has changed. You’re expected to make tough, unpopular decisions, and that often puts you in a position of conflict. There’s a pressure to appear strong and competent at all times, even when you’re struggling. 2. Five Common Leadership Challenges (And How to Overcome Them) 1. The "Us vs. Them" Mentality Example: You were once part of the squad, joking around and bonding. Now, you’re their supervisor, and some officers start seeing you as “management” instead of a friend. Remedy: Lead with fairness and transparency. Make it clear that your role may have changed, but you’re still there to support them, not just enforce policies. 2. Feeling Like There’s No One to Talk To Example: You used to confide in fellow officers about job stress, but now that you’re in charge, you feel like you have to keep everything to yourself. Remedy: Find a trusted mentor or peer in leadership. Connecting with others who understand the struggles of leadership provides a healthy outlet for venting and advice. 3. Balancing Respect with Camaraderie Example: You want your team to trust you, but you also need to maintain authority. If you’re too friendly, you risk losing their respect. If you’re too distant, you lose their trust. Remedy: Be approachable but professional. Set boundaries, but also take time to connect with your team outside of disciplinary moments. Show that you care about them as people. 4. Carrying the Emotional Burden of Tough Decisions Example: You have to discipline an officer you used to be close with, and it weighs on you personally. Remedy: Separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities. A good leader makes tough decisions for the benefit of the entire team. You can be fair without feeling guilty. 5. Navigating the Politics of Leadership Example: Upper management pressures you to enforce policies that you don’t fully agree with, putting you in a tough spot between your team and your superiors. Remedy: Advocate for your team while staying professional. Communicate concerns up the chain of command and look for ways to implement change from within. 3. Five Ways to Stay Connected Without Losing Authority 1. Keep an Open-Door Policy Encourage officers to bring concerns to you before they become bigger problems. Example: If an officer is struggling with burnout, help them find solutions before it affects performance. 2. Set the Tone for Team Culture Lead by example—demonstrate professionalism, respect, and teamwork. Example: If you expect officers to handle situations calmly under pressure, model that behavior yourself. 3. Invest in Leadership Training & Peer Networks Connect with other leaders in law enforcement to exchange experiences and strategies. Example: Attend training seminars, leadership workshops, or online forums to build your leadership skillset. 4. Show Appreciation & Recognition Small gestures go a long way in earning trust and respect. Example: Recognizing an officer’s hard work publicly builds morale and strengthens team relationships. 5. Find Balance Outside of Work Don’t let leadership consume your identity. Invest in hobbies, family, and friendships outside the job. Example: Having a strong personal support system makes it easier to handle the pressures of leadership. 4. Why This Matters: Leadership in first responder careers can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. By recognizing the common struggles, building strong connections, and maintaining a leadership mindset that values trust and fairness, you can lead with confidence without feeling alone. Listen now to gain leadership insights that will help you navigate the challenges of the role while staying connected with those who matter most! 🎙️🔥🚔
Secure your firearm with my buy one get one free affiliate code from STOPBOX http://stopboxusa.com/LEOWARRIORS
All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and are simply our opinions based off of our own experience, background and education.
Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send Ashlie Walton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1594754484675x841981803913560400
#policepodcast #policeofficer #leowarriors #thinbluelineusa #firstresponder #lawenforcementpodcast #LawEnforcement #LEOWarriors #leadership #alone
⩥ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⩤
https://geni.us/wAtlvPu
CLICK HERE for Amazon's Today's Deals on TACTICAL GEAR: https://geni.us/KmvaOVM (Affiliate Link)
(Ad) Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something by clicking on one of our links, we'll receive a small commission.
CLICK HERE to join our free Police, Fire, Military and Families Facebook Group: https://geni.us/YM5tsB
Check out our website and learn more about how you can work with LEO Warriors by going to: https://www.leowarriors.com/
Like what you hear? We are honored. Drop a review and subscribe to our show.
The Tactical Living Podcast is owned by LEO Warriors, LLC. None of the content presented may be copied, repurposed or used without the owner’s prior consent.
For PR, speaking requests and other networking opportunities, contact LEO Warriors:
EMAIL: [email protected].
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 400115 Hesperia, Ca. 92340
ASHLIE’S FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤
This episode is NOT sponsored.
View all episodes
By Ashlie and Clint Walton
4.9
8282 ratings
In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton dive into one of the least talked about struggles of leadership in law enforcement and first responder careers—loneliness (Amazon Affiliate). Moving into a leadership role comes with increased responsibility, difficult decision-making, and a shift in relationships with peers. Many leaders find themselves caught between admin and their team, feeling disconnected from both. But leadership doesn’t have to mean isolation. This episode breaks down why leadership can feel lonely and provides five practical ways to maintain connections, balance authority, and lead without feeling alone. 1. Why Leadership Can Feel Lonely in First Responder Professions You go from being “one of the guys” to being the person in charge. You may feel like you can’t vent the same way you used to because others now look to you for stability. Peers may distance themselves out of fear of favoritism or because the dynamic has changed. You’re expected to make tough, unpopular decisions, and that often puts you in a position of conflict. There’s a pressure to appear strong and competent at all times, even when you’re struggling. 2. Five Common Leadership Challenges (And How to Overcome Them) 1. The "Us vs. Them" Mentality Example: You were once part of the squad, joking around and bonding. Now, you’re their supervisor, and some officers start seeing you as “management” instead of a friend. Remedy: Lead with fairness and transparency. Make it clear that your role may have changed, but you’re still there to support them, not just enforce policies. 2. Feeling Like There’s No One to Talk To Example: You used to confide in fellow officers about job stress, but now that you’re in charge, you feel like you have to keep everything to yourself. Remedy: Find a trusted mentor or peer in leadership. Connecting with others who understand the struggles of leadership provides a healthy outlet for venting and advice. 3. Balancing Respect with Camaraderie Example: You want your team to trust you, but you also need to maintain authority. If you’re too friendly, you risk losing their respect. If you’re too distant, you lose their trust. Remedy: Be approachable but professional. Set boundaries, but also take time to connect with your team outside of disciplinary moments. Show that you care about them as people. 4. Carrying the Emotional Burden of Tough Decisions Example: You have to discipline an officer you used to be close with, and it weighs on you personally. Remedy: Separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities. A good leader makes tough decisions for the benefit of the entire team. You can be fair without feeling guilty. 5. Navigating the Politics of Leadership Example: Upper management pressures you to enforce policies that you don’t fully agree with, putting you in a tough spot between your team and your superiors. Remedy: Advocate for your team while staying professional. Communicate concerns up the chain of command and look for ways to implement change from within. 3. Five Ways to Stay Connected Without Losing Authority 1. Keep an Open-Door Policy Encourage officers to bring concerns to you before they become bigger problems. Example: If an officer is struggling with burnout, help them find solutions before it affects performance. 2. Set the Tone for Team Culture Lead by example—demonstrate professionalism, respect, and teamwork. Example: If you expect officers to handle situations calmly under pressure, model that behavior yourself. 3. Invest in Leadership Training & Peer Networks Connect with other leaders in law enforcement to exchange experiences and strategies. Example: Attend training seminars, leadership workshops, or online forums to build your leadership skillset. 4. Show Appreciation & Recognition Small gestures go a long way in earning trust and respect. Example: Recognizing an officer’s hard work publicly builds morale and strengthens team relationships. 5. Find Balance Outside of Work Don’t let leadership consume your identity. Invest in hobbies, family, and friendships outside the job. Example: Having a strong personal support system makes it easier to handle the pressures of leadership. 4. Why This Matters: Leadership in first responder careers can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. By recognizing the common struggles, building strong connections, and maintaining a leadership mindset that values trust and fairness, you can lead with confidence without feeling alone. Listen now to gain leadership insights that will help you navigate the challenges of the role while staying connected with those who matter most! 🎙️🔥🚔
Secure your firearm with my buy one get one free affiliate code from STOPBOX http://stopboxusa.com/LEOWARRIORS
All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and are simply our opinions based off of our own experience, background and education.
Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send Ashlie Walton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1594754484675x841981803913560400
#policepodcast #policeofficer #leowarriors #thinbluelineusa #firstresponder #lawenforcementpodcast #LawEnforcement #LEOWarriors #leadership #alone
⩥ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⩤
https://geni.us/wAtlvPu
CLICK HERE for Amazon's Today's Deals on TACTICAL GEAR: https://geni.us/KmvaOVM (Affiliate Link)
(Ad) Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something by clicking on one of our links, we'll receive a small commission.
CLICK HERE to join our free Police, Fire, Military and Families Facebook Group: https://geni.us/YM5tsB
Check out our website and learn more about how you can work with LEO Warriors by going to: https://www.leowarriors.com/
Like what you hear? We are honored. Drop a review and subscribe to our show.
The Tactical Living Podcast is owned by LEO Warriors, LLC. None of the content presented may be copied, repurposed or used without the owner’s prior consent.
For PR, speaking requests and other networking opportunities, contact LEO Warriors:
EMAIL: [email protected].
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 400115 Hesperia, Ca. 92340
ASHLIE’S FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement
➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤
This episode is NOT sponsored.