How Leaders Make Decisions Under Pressure (From a Chief of Police)
Most leaders will never have to make decisions where lives are on the line.But at some point, every leader will be tested — and how they respond will define who they are.Today’s guest is Chief Damon Simmons, the Chief of Police in Liberty Lake, whose career has been built in moments where leadership isn’t theoretical — it’s real, immediate, and carries weight most people will never fully understand. From serving in the Air Force to nearly two decades in law enforcement, Damon has learned what it takes to lead under pressure, build trust in both a department and a community, and carry responsibility that doesn’t turn off when the day ends.In this conversation, we talk about leadership when it actually matters, the realities most people never see behind the badge, and what it takes to lead people through moments that demand more than just words.Show Flow02:04 Damon’s journey to becoming Chief of Police03:36 The intense interview process + self-doubt05:31 Landing the role + feeling the weight of responsibility07:06 Mentors, calling other chiefs, and asking questions10:24 “They don’t work for me, I work for them”12:32 Hiring the right people + early recruiting lessons15:09 Why Damon wrote a leadership book19:09 Self-reflection as a leadership weapon21:00 Why humility is required in leadership24:17 Learning leadership from his barber28:32 Spotting when someone on the team is struggling32:55 Why Great Leaders Say “We” Instead of “I.”36:33 Self-Reflection and Correcting Old Habits40:17 How Policing Changes a Person Over Time44:36 Supporting Officers Who Can’t Continue50:18 Why Strong Leaders Still Need Help56:08 Advice for Young Officers Entering the Profession58:36 Serving a Community the Right Way59:44 Final Thoughts
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