• Florida’s Drug Control Strategy
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
• DOH Youth Leadership
• FLCD DDR Youth Leadership

Leadership Principles and Traits

Leadership Principles

The core principles of leadership at the Office of Drug Control are central to the work of Community Coalitions. ODC leadership and coalitions:

• Demonstrate tactical and technical competence
  Communities expect their leaders to be tactically and technically competent. They want to follow those leaders who are confident of their own abilities. To be confident a leader must first be competent. Trust between communities and their coalitions are based on the secure knowledge that the coalition is competent.

• Teach others
  In training, leaders must move beyond managing programs or directing the execution of operations. Leaders must take the time to share with others the benefit of experience and expertise.

• Be a good listener
  Leaders must listen with equal attention to key stakeholders and their communities. As leaders we can help solve any problem. However, leaders can only do so if they know about it. Leaders won’t know about it if they don’t listen.

• Treat others with dignity and respect
  Leaders must show genuine concern and compassion for those they lead. Remember, respect is a two-way street; a leader will be accorded the same level of respect that he or she shows for others.

• Stress the basics
  Leaders must demonstrate mastery of fundamental skills, as well as the requisite skills for their particular specialty, and be able to teach them to their staff and community partners.

• Set the example
  Leaders abide consistently with the highest values of their profession. They encourage within their staff a commitment to the same values. Leaders take pride in selflessly dedicating their service to ensure the mission is accomplished. They are aware that they are always on parade—24 hours a day, seven days a week—and that all their actions set personal and professional examples for others to emulate.

• Set and enforce standards
  A leader must know, and always enforce, established professional standards. Substance abuse prevention, treatment and enforcement subscribe to standards that of excellence in the planning, implementation and accountability of their work.

Character Traits of a Leader

• Bearing
  Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.

• Courage
  Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.

• Integrity
  Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.

• Decisiveness
  Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weigh them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.

• Justice
  Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or discipline on merit.

• Endurance
  Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, effectively managing a stressful situation and maintaining your employee’s focus is crucial in the development of leadership.

• Tact
  Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.

• Initiative
  Initiative is taking action even though you haven’t been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.

• Enthusiasm
  Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.

• Knowledge
  Knowledge is the understanding of your job. It also means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your office’s policies and keep up with current events.

• Loyalty
  Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, your state, your organization and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates.

• Source: Leadership: Quotations from the Military Tradition, edited by Robert A. Fitton

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