Tension or Trust: Navigating Relationships for Success
Every relationship, whether between supervisors and employees, organizations and communities, or teams within the same agency, is built on either tension or trust. Retired Police Chief Jason P. Armstrong brings a rare blend of frontline leadership and executive experience to this keynote, shaped by years of navigating some of the most scrutinized relationships in public service. Drawing from real-world examples in policing, community engagement, and organizational leadership, Jason shows how trust is created, how it is lost, and how it can be repaired in moments that define professional and community relationships.
This session gives audiences a clear understanding of the social and human factors that shape relationships and influence outcomes. Through compelling stories, case studies, and interactive reflection, participants learn how to identify sources of tension, shift communication patterns, and strengthen trust-based connections. Attendees leave with practical strategies to reduce conflict, enhance collaboration, and create environments where people feel valued, supported, and aligned around shared goals.
Participants will leave with:
Clear strategies for enhancing transparency, accountability, and connection with the communities they serve, leading to more effective and sustainable public safety outcomes.
Leadership approaches that prioritize people-centered decision-making to improve morale, communication, and organizational culture
Practical frameworks for building authentic community engagement that strengthens trust and improves long-term relationships
The ability to evaluate how reform efforts affect both internal operations and community perception, and how to adapt leadership strategies to maintain credibility