Criminal justice leaders often find themselves charged with the responsibility of leading an adaptive change in a variety of current issues. These current issues may relate to ethics and personal conduct or political pressures among others. An adaptive change involves a complete change in the conduction of activities. That is, it is an entire shift in the paradigm and hence it may be very draining. It is thus imperative for a criminal justice leader to have a sanctuary to which he or she can retreat to restore him or herself when feeling drained. This essay looks at various forms of sanctuary that a criminal justice leader may exploit in instituting an adaptive change.
It is imperative to note that a sanctuary is not a hiding place. Instead, it is a haven for the leader to cool down and recollect while reflecting on the moments of pain he or she has undergone. When leaders are under time constraints, they often give up their sources of sanctuary since they view them as luxuries. One of these forms of retreat is attending the gym. Going to the gym may be a kind of sanctuary since it allows a leader to release any pent-up pressure and to refocus.
Another form of sanctuary for a criminal justice leader is to take a walk around their neighborhood. The leader may make this walk a daily routine, and it is important since it allows him to clear his mind. Once his mind is clear, the leader can focus on the task with renewed energy.
In conclusion, we can say that just as a person, embarking on a journey to a mountain carries provisions, so does a sanctuary provide a restoration point for the leader. This sanctuary may take various forms, such as working out in the gym or taking a daily walk. The form it takes is not too important and what is critical is that it fits the leader individually and promotes reflection.
Works Cited
Heifitz, Ronald A. and Marty Linsky. Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading. Boston: Harvard Business School Press., 2002 .
