With seven years of service to Lehigh, Sergeant Kyle Fisher of the Investigative and Professional Services Division of the Lehigh University Police Department still prioritizes his own learning and professional development. As a supervisor, he especially appreciates opportunities to build his leadership skills. We asked him about his experience with Career Enrichment @ Lehigh (CE@L).
The Spot: Why did you decide to take courses through CE@L?
Kyle: I love to learn, and training is one of my primary responsibilities within the police department. Traditional law enforcement training can be quite narrow, so CE@L courses offer a chance to broaden my knowledge. Since law enforcement is fundamentally about people, these courses are valuable for any Lehigh employee. Additionally, I take these courses to identify which would benefit my team the most, especially since our varying shifts make it challenging for everyone to attend daytime classes.
The Spot: What courses have you taken, and why did you choose them?
Kyle: I've taken several courses, including Collaborating Across Generations, Leading at Lehigh, The Art of Effective Communication, and Rewards, Recognition, and Wellness. I chose Collaborating Across Generations because I wanted to connect better with the 18-25 age group, having felt a disconnect during my time as a police academy instructor. I’m always seeking leadership training, which is why I enrolled in Leading at Lehigh. As a de-escalation instructor, I recognize the importance of communication skills, which is why The Art of Effective Communication appealed to me. Lastly, Rewards, Recognition, and Wellness was particularly important for me as a new supervisor, to ensure my team feels appreciated.
The Spot: What are some key takeaways from these courses? Have you implemented any learnings in your work?
Kyle: One of the most significant takeaways was the availability of The Spot Bonus, which I’ve used to acknowledge exceptional performance among my employees (see photo at right). From Leading at Lehigh, I learned to reflect on positive and negative leaders in my life to improve my own leadership style. The Collaborating Across Generations course emphasized that every generation brings unique skills and abilities, which has encouraged me to foster a collaborative environment.
The Spot: Have you completed a track or do you plan to?
Kyle: I would like to complete the Foundations of Management track, but I also aim to explore other tracks as much as possible.
The Spot: What advice do you have for staff considering taking courses or pursuing a track?
Kyle: Keep an open mind! Most courses are interactive, and you can learn just as much from fellow participants as from the instructors. Engage actively and provide feedback afterward, as these elements are designed to enhance the learning experience.