Simon Overland: an expert on calm

Victorian Deputy Police Commissioner Simon Overland was one the many ‘celebrities’ speaking at this years DPV Conference. Simon has been in his role as Deputy Commissioner since 3 July 2006.

Prior to joining Victoria Police in February 2003, Simon served 19 years with the Australian Federal Police, and thus has copious amounts of experience when it comes to being an effective leader.

But it was not simply leadership that Simon was at the 2008 DPV Conference to talk about, but rather the art of maintaining calm under pressure, in order to lead a team in tense situations.

Simon came across as normal Australian bloke, and kept the crowd entertained with his anecdotes and alternative views of leadership.

“There is a lot of rubbish written about leadership,” he said.

Simon suggested To Kill a Mockingbird is a book about leadership, and a lot more can be taken from the novel than any text book could.

The Deputy Commissioner believes there is a need for a strong sense of self in an effective leader, and as long as you show you want to be a leader, you will get noticed.

Simon’s public profile has obviously changed significantly over the past few years, and he emphasised the need to have perspective and to never make the mistake of thinking you are what you do.

 While achieving this is more difficult in more senior positions, he said, putting things into a larger context and asking yourself “what really matters in life?” and “what’s the worst thing that could possibly happen?” will mean you are more focused and calm approaching the issue at hand.

“People tend to notice that I don’t seem to be phased by anything,” he said, “What matters to me is my family and my friends, and the rest is just a sideshow.”

Using his experience dealing with the Melbourne underworld ‘Gangland murders’ as an example of when he really had to step up and lead, Simon stressed the importance of putting on a brave face in times of crisis.

“At least look like you’re under control,” he said.

“That is what is expected of you, people don’t want you running around like a headless chook.”

Simon said experience in these situations certainly helps, but simply understand and acknowledging that you are being tested helps.

“The ‘Gangland murders’ were completely out of control. I had the opportunity to stand up and say, ‘It’s okay, we can do this.’”

To maintain control and stay calm he said, think clearly about resources you have available to you and what your best move is.

“Focus on the things you can control,” he said.

Having enormous faith in their strategy and his team was what Simon focussed on during his most difficult challenge as Deputy Commissioner, he said.

“Whilst I couldn’t see what the outcome was going to be, if I focussed on those things everything would out right, and it did.”

Finally, Simon spoke of the importance of ethics and your own values. This is important in making judgements and important calls.

“I have made enormous mistakes. It’s really hard,” he said.

And as a final note, he said, “Resilience is the key.”

Simon was promoted to Deputy Commissioner, Victoria Police on the 3rd July 2006.  He had been the Assistant Commissioner Crime from February 2003 to July 2006.  In this role he became widely known for his leadership of the Purana Task Force; investigating a series of violent murders and associated offences within entrenched organised crime networks.  He continues to have overall responsibility for this task force in his current role.

Simon's key points:

On Resilience

·        Who am I? (who am I really?)

·        What is the worst thing that could happen? (e.g. "I lose my job")

·        What is really important to me?

·        Ethics and values—your own ("mirror test")

On The art of maintaining calm under pressure

·        Appear to be in control

·        Focus on what you can control

·        Have faith in your own strategy

·        Personal attributes—play to your strengths

·        Act fairly, respectfully, towards people

About Simon Overland 

Simon has a Bachelor of Arts in Administration, a Bachelor of Laws with first class honours, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies.  He is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration of Australia, a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the Australia Day honours this year.