Shift Readiness Skills: Emotional Ownership & Empowered Communication (Part 3)
- learning410
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 15
Effective communication in public safety begins with emotional ownership and a clear mindset. Learn how using “I” statements and the Empowerment Triangle can reduce conflict, build trust, and enhance team performance under pressure.
As public safety professionals, we work in environments where tension, urgency, and human emotion are part of the daily landscape. In these conditions, communication isn’t just about what we say—it’s about managing ourselves and relating to others when it matters most. That’s why the following two Shift Readiness Skills focus on emotional clarity and an empowered mindset—crucial tools for building trust, reducing conflict, and sustaining effectiveness during shifts.
Skill #4: Use “I” Statements and Own Your Emotions
When emotions run high, especially in law enforcement, corrections, or emergency services, it’s easy to default to blame or make generalizations that escalate tension:
“You always cut me off.”
“Nobody ever listens around here.”
“This place is dysfunctional.”
While these statements may seem justified at the time, they often lead to defensiveness or cause others to shut down. Gradually, they erode trust and hinder effective collaboration. The missing element is emotional ownership.
Using “I” statements helps you speak honestly without blaming others. You shift from attacking or accusing to expressing how an experience affects you personally. This kind of communication is robust, transparent, and constructive.
Instead of:
“You’re so disrespectful.”
Try:
“I feel frustrated when interrupted before I’ve finished talking.”
A helpful format:
“I feel ___ when ___ because ___. What I’d like is ___.”
For example:
“I feel angry when schedules change at the last minute because I don’t have time to plan around my family. What I’d like is as much notice as possible.”
This approach models emotional intelligence and invites others into respectful dialogue, even when discussing sensitive topics. It’s not about being soft—it’s about being strong enough to stay grounded while navigating challenges.
Skill #5: Stay on the Empowerment Triangle
Many of us are familiar with conflict patterns that keep us stuck. Whether it’s frustration with coworkers, institutional policies, or simply the daily grind, we can easily fall into what’s called the Drama Triangle, where we unconsciously play one of three mindsets:
Victim: “This is happening to me. I’m powerless.”
Persecutor: “They’re wrong. This is their fault.”
Rescuer: “Let me fix this for you (even if you didn’t ask).”
These mindsets are reactive. They keep us cycling through drama instead of resolving it. And while they might feel familiar or justified, they rarely lead to meaningful change.
The alternative is what’s known as the Empowerment Triangle, where we take self-aware, proactive roles:
Co-Creator: Takes responsibility for their part and looks for solutions
Challenger: Offers honest feedback directly and respectfully, without making anyone wrong
Coach: Provides support and resources without rescuing or taking over
When we choose these empowered mindsets, we step into leadership, regardless of our rank or title. We model integrity, emotional regulation, and the kind of presence that helps everyone feel more stable and precise.
🧰 Here are a few ways to practice:
Ask yourself during a tense interaction: “Am I falling into a drama role here?” “What would it look like to show up as a Co-Creator, Challenger, or Coach?”
Shift your approach:
From rescuing → “What support do you need?”
From blaming → “What part can I own in this?”
From victimhood → “What’s one small step I can take right now?”
Notice tone and body language. Empowered communication is calm, direct, and respectful—not passive-aggressive, explosive, or withdrawn.
Emotions and biases can exacerbate a tense situation if reactivity takes over.
🚨 Why These Skills Matter
In public safety, emotions are inevitable, but reactivity is optional. Learning to own your experience and speak from a place of awareness is a skill that enhances every aspect of your work: from team communication and de-escalation to leadership and personal resilience.
Similarly, staying on the Empowerment Triangle helps break old patterns and build healthier relationships—both with others and with yourself. It reduces burnout and fosters a workplace culture built on trust, respect, and psychological honesty.
Coming Up in Part 4
Next, we’ll complete our Shift Readiness series with two final skills:
Learning Conflict Resolution & Mediation Skills
Treating Everyone Equally with Respect, Courtesy, and Consideration
These tools round out a communication and relationship toolkit that every public safety professional deserves.
👉 Until then, take a moment to reflect:
How do I show up when things get stressful?
Can I take one step closer to empowered communication today?
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