As we continue our exploration of effective supervision within the correctional environment, we are excited to introduce “Retention Intelligence”—a concept and term originated by Stephanie Rawlings. While this framework builds upon the foundational skill sets of Emotional Intelligence (EI), it encompasses a significantly broader sphere of leadership competencies tailored specifically to the unique demands of correctional work.
Two Critical Missions
It is vital to remember: Correctional Officers serve as the frontline guarantors of both agency safety and humane treatment, yet they remain a chronically under-resourced population. Because of this, supervisors occupy a critical vantage point and carry out a dual mission:
- Operational Excellence: Maintaining the high standards of safety and humanity required by the agency.
- Strategic Advocacy: Actively enhancing the well-being of their staff—thereby directly increasing the likelihood of long-term retention and organizational health.
Stay tuned for more on this subject!
