Leadership - A discussion of traits, characteristics, and current news of leaders.

Many of you have no doubt read about the edict from now former Winter Haven Florida Police Chief Paul Goward for officers to get in shape.  The memo stated the following:

"Take a good look at yourself," he wrote. "If you are unfit, do yourself and everyone else a favor. See a professional about a proper diet and a fitness training program, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake and start thinking self-pride, confidence and respectability. And stop making excuses for delaying what you know you should have been doing years ago. We didn't hire you unfit and we don't want you working unfit. Don't mean to offend, this is just straight talk. I owe it to you."

Now at first pass, there's nothing wrong with this advice.  Dr. Phil might give this on his show and the audience would laugh and applaud.

Why did this result in Chief Goward's termination?  You have to look at his tenure to find out why.

David Greene, manager of the central Florida city of 30,000, said through a spokeswoman that he was too busy for an interview, but told the local newspapers the anonymous complaint letters made it clear the police department had a morale problem because of Goward's abrasive management style during his 2 1/2 years there.

"Emotions within the police department and the relationship with the police chief became raw," he told The Ledger.

Winter Haven officers contacted by The Associated Press said they were told not to talk to reporters about Goward's departure.

One of the anonymous complaint letters described the force as "upset to say the least" about the chief and called the "Jelly Belly" memo "the icing on the cake."

"This letter shows the type of harassment and hostile work environment we have. The chief of police is constantly 'bad talking' us in every way possible and we have had enough of his arrogance," the letter read.

So here's the deal.  People skills really do matter!  Treat people like crap and then when you do have something beneficial to say to them, it's not going to go over well.  As much as I agree with Chief Goward's thoughts about fitness, there's no excusing an abusive management style.

So treat your employees with respect and dignity.  Be a role model of not only physical fitness, but emotional fitness as well.  There's no need for a memo if your life speaks well to the edict.