The three rules of leadership, according to a senior police detective

How to rise up the ranks into senior leadership

By Janet Stevenson

How to rise up the ranks into senior leadership

By Janet Stevenson

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Do you have any career regrets? I’ve got one – and it’s certainly of its time.

I joined Victoria Police in 1985, got married and, a couple of years later, was pregnant. The expectation back then was that you would resign, so resign I did.

Part-time policing was only just starting to happen and I didn’t have that support or the courage to say, ‘You know what? I might be one of the first to do it, but I want to go part-time’. I resigned, which stalled my career. It wasn’t until I’d had my second child that I reapplied and returned to the service, full-time.

Things have changed significantly since then. There are also a lot more women in leadership roles in policing but, as with many industries, not yet in equal numbers.

In the spirit of supporting others, here are the three values – my golden rules, if you will – that have guided me to success.

Work hard and deliver

Yes, you’ve got to work really, really hard – but you’ve also got to deliver. I’ve seen many people just go around in circles thinking they’re busy but they’re all over the shop. You need to deliver because if you don’t, that’s what you’ll be remembered for.

There are some ‘buts’ to the rule. The first being: don’t hurt people along the way. Don’t step on people to get promoted. Secondly, work hard and deliver – but not at the expense of your health and your family because they are the most important thing.

People say “get out there, lean in” but, in my experience, you don’t need to promote yourself excessively. If you are delivering hard work and you’re looking after people, your work will speak for you and you’ll be recognised.

Work brave and smart

Being brave in your work means taking on the difficult tasks. You don’t need to take on all of them – just some – and you will learn so much. Working smart means staying open to new ways of thinking. It can also look like aligning yourself with positive, successful people.

Frankly, where possible, I avoid negative people. I’ve tried to move past them and get into that positive vibe. Surround yourself with positive people who can be your mentors, both formally and informally. Reach out to them, create relationships with them and learn from them.

Work for your team

Give those that you’re managing time to shine. This builds their confidence and enthusiasm – and they will be more connected and productive because of it. It takes an unselfish leader to be a good leader. It’s not all about me, I don’t need to be the smartest in the room, I just need to get everyone together to deliver.

Encourage your team to take the lead and be innovative. If they succeed, give them the credit. If they don’t succeed, congratulate them for being brave. If they fail, you should take accountability – this is real support. I have seen that success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan. Don’t let that be the case on your watch.

In my experience, if you’re not following these three rules, you might be successful – but you may not be a successful leader. Wishing you all the best on your own path, wherever it might take you.

About Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson

Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson is the manager of the Serious Crime Division which includes Arson & Explosives, Sex Crimes and Homicide at Victoria Police. Prior to her current appointment, Stevenson was the Superintendent at the Sexual Offences and Family Violence Unit. She has received an Australasian Council of Women and Policing Award for leadership and was recently awarded the Australian Police Medal.

Stevenson has been an avid advocate for women in policing and was formerly the Chair of the Women in Policing Advisory Group.