The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 23, Number 6 | Page 36
The Staff Ride represents a successful, educational method of applying the leadership lessons of the past to present day
organizational leaders. This experiential lesson places modern day law enforcement leaders at the very locations of major
historical events and allows them to take the role of the important persons from that era for the purpose of applying essential
leadership principles to modern law enforcement organizational challenges.
This program will allow participants to have the unique opportunity to use the actual locations involved in the planning and
execution of the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville form the American Civil War as a “living classroom” to add
depth and context to the study of the leaders, commanders, strategic considerations and leadership principles.
During the winter of 1862 and the first half of 1863, the administration of Abraham Lincoln was at it lowest ebb, and the
condition of its principle eastern army, The Army of the Potomac, had sustained horrific defeats at the Battles of Fredericksburg
and Chancellorsville, Virginia. Two different Union Generals, Ambrose Burnside and Joseph Hooker, were badly defeated by the
leading Confederate military leader, General Robert E. Lee. The two battles would cost the Union Army over 30,000 casualties
and pave the way for Lee’s invasion of the North. Our Staff Ride will examine the plans, decisions and actions exercised by the
leading commanders during these important campaigns and will draw leadership lessons for modern leaders of police
organizations.
This program is designed to provide the participant with an understanding and appreciation of the best practices of leading in
times of crisis. Upon completion of this program, the participants will have learned the latest trends in leadership and
organizational management involving the following essentials:
Strategic Planning
Decision Making
Command and Control
Communication
Personnel Selection
Tactical Flexibility
Taking Risk
Learning from Mistakes
Leading from the Front
Morale—Taking Care of the Troops
Maintaining the Support of Government Leaders
Suggested Leadership Texts:
The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (2012)
Leadership Lessons from West Point by Major Douglas Crandall (Editor) (2007)
Introduction to Leadership by Peter G. Northouse (2015)
Historical Books
The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock by Francis A. O’Reilly (2006)
Chancellorsville by Stephen W. Sears (1998)
COST: $750 (includes accommodations and some meals, as noted on agenda)
Enrollment is limited to 40 law enforcement registrants. Registrations taken on first come first serve basis.
Please note, in order to keep registration fees low, all accommodations are double occupancy. If you wish to reserve a single room,
please contact the NJSACOP State Office at (856) 334-8943.
FACULTY:
William “Pat” Schuber, Assistant Professor, Fairleigh Dickinson University, former County Executive of Bergen County, NJ and
teacher of, among other courses, “Leading in Times of Crisis” and other leadership and management topics.
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