I’ve been through the grinder in 2016.

2016 was a crap year.  I had a stroke. Got divorced (again). Lost a position I really wanted.  I had to re-structure my job (and life).  There was Cheeto elected as commander-in-chief…  Adios 2016 and good riddance.  Hello 2017… It’s a new day.

But this is life.  Life is hard.  Wear a cup.

So I’m re-calculating my next move… It hit me like a grumbling tummy after a Taco Bell run… I have to adjust. I have to do what I’ve been training so many managers to do.  I have to  manage change in my life.

If I don’t get the job I wanted (I didn’t)… If I have to live with post-stroke language issues (I do)… How will I manage my life and how will I positively change my life to make adjustments?

For the past 9 months I’ve been the CIT ‘go to guy’ for CIT deliverables.  I’ve written the policies, standard operating policies, and training.  I’ve delivered training.  I’ve participated in the international and regional CIT conferences.  I’ve been a consummate CIT guy.

CIT, for the uninitiated, stands for “Crisis Intervention Team“.  CIT programs have grown for the past 20 years to help communities and police officers respond more effectively to mental ill and other crises calls.

When I was writing a CIT article one of the CIT guys close to the program read it and said “Ya know the way you write it, there isn’t that much difference between CIT and good leadership”.  This is when the proverbial light bulb above my head popped on!   I’m a CIT expert AND a leadership expert.

I’m passionate about leadership, BUT I’m also passionate about helping police officers find more effective solutions when dealing with people who have mental illness.   It truly is a new day.

I’m adjusting this blog.  I’m moving to provide tools for CIT members, leaders, and practitioners.

I do want to provide value… But of course, your mileage may vary.

Dr Jay Irvin