From LinkedIn

I Don't Have to Like Them, but I Must Love Them

This was originally posted on my LinkedIn on July 29, 2026.

I’m attending the LEMIT - Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas’ Police Chief Leadership Series this week, and we’ve covered a lot of good material. But one quote has been stuck in my head all afternoon.

Mac Tristan was presenting on creating a healthy culture and a roadmap to outstanding performance through servant leadership when he shared a quote from Vince Lombardi:

“I don’t necessarily have to like my players and associates, but as their leader I must love them.”

It made me wonder whether the people I have the privilege to lead would say they’ve experienced that kind of leadership.

I never questioned whether I love the people I lead. To me, that means caring about them as people, wanting them to succeed, wanting them to go home safe, grow professionally, and knowing they matter.

What I’ve come to realize is that a lot of leadership happens in places our teams will never see. That’s okay. They don’t need to know every conversation or every decision that led to an outcome.

What they should never have to wonder about is whether I love them.

If they have to wonder, then I probably have some work to do.

Want to see the conversation? Read the comments on LinkedIn.