If you want a true Strategic Plan you must create and maintain a supportive, inspiring, forward-thinking Culture. The reverse is also true. Lead like you mean it. This book has been in the works for many years, germinating as I traveled throughout the United States conducting leadership training and consulting on organizational development issues. I stashed away an idea here and an observation there. I listened a lot. I mean a lot.  I have immersed myself in organizations and I have observed them from afar. I have heard their words and I have heard what others say about them. I have long believed that many are too afraid they'll lose their jobs or careers if they point out the abysmal lack of true, inspirational, effective leadership. I decided to put into my own words many of the things that they cannot or will not say to their own supervisors, their local legislative bodies or their communities. If doing so emboldens even one to write a better book, to invent a more effective future for Public Safety in The United States of America, my writing time has been well invested. Acknowledgement Susan asked me, "Do you have any regrets?" I instantaneously responded, "No. I am reasonably happy with who I am. Of all the things I've done well, I did them not because I am smart, but because beloved mentors taught me how. Of all the things I have screwed up in my life, I cannot blame anyone else; I made choices and I have learned to own them." Then, it occurred to me that I had just misrepresented something important to my Wife - my most tolerant advisor. "My apologies," I said. "Yes, I do have a regret. I wish I had asked my Grandmother more questions. Whether you liked it or not she would smack you with common sense if she thought you had lost your way." As a professional business consultant and trainer, I am asked to provide professional advice and hands-on services to boards of directors, senior managers, supervisors, Chief Executive Officers, Directors, Colonels of State Police, Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, Marshals, Fire Chiefs, EMS Directors, City Councils, County Commissioners, Superintendents and other decision makers to improve strategic planning skills; leadership development and supervisory techniques; conflict management; issues management and effective marketing & community relations. More than 15,000 people from Federal, State, County, Municipal, Tribal, University & Port governments throughout the United States have completed training with us - and hundreds of Public Safety agencies have relied upon us to provide them with professional consulting recommendations. I am particularly fond of noting that many of my best days have been spent in the company of Rangers who protect America's Treasures as members of the National Park Service. Their passion for this Planet is unrivaled. In addition to my work with Public Safety agencies throughout the United States, I have work with not-for-profit organizations; companies seeking growth strategies; and organizations in crisis. Kent, Stephen L.. Strategic Planning & Organizational Culture For Public Safety Agencies: Leadership + Destinations = Strategic Advantage (pp. 331-332). The Results Group, Ltd. / Stephen L. Kent. Kindle Edition.