The definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”   Instead of repeating the same mistakes over and over, public officials and leaders of organizations must take a proactive approach to learn from the mistakes in handling management decisions and set clear expectations for their subordinates. To sustain positive change, leaders must ensure that these changes penetrate through at all levels of the organization.

Police officers as well as civilians deal with solving real-life problems as part of their daily functions and responsibilities. Debriefing real incidents or scenarios help to prevent from making the same mistakes over and over again. Therefore, the same principles should apply to prevent bad practices that could led to unfair and biased management decisions. Failure to learn from past mistakes sends a mixed message at all levels of the organization that questionable behaviors are an acceptable practice for the organization. This toxic mindset can lead to irreparable damage to employees of the organization and the community they serve.