Being reasonable in an unreasonable world seems daunting or downright impossible in today’s world and in our profession of law enforcement. We are inundated by extremes. In the world of extremes, being reasonable can seem like a lost art. Is being reasonable just about being calm or rational? Or is it something deeper, such as a mindset? 

To be reasonable could mean being fair, levelheaded and guided by sound judgment. It could also mean listening and being open-minded, even when you disagree — balancing emotions with logic. It is the skill of staying grounded in facts and fairness, even under pressure. Reasonableness is an idea we all understand but have trouble defining.

Being reasonable helps us in different ways. We communicate better and are easier to talk to. We are more effective in solving problems. We can maintain relationships. Being reasonable makes conflict less personal and more constructive. We become more consistent on a day-to-day basis. In my opinion, consistency might be the most important aspect of reasonableness. 

Being reasonable is difficult, especially when we feel so passionately about an issue. Everywhere we turn, we get hit with information or clickbait headlines designed to create an emotional reaction — a reaction that gets you to act or do something irrationally. A major example is social media platforms. Social media rewards outrage; it doesn’t reward calm. Reasonableness doesn’t make headlines. 

Being reasonable doesn’t mean you are right all the time. It’s more about how you respond to a problem and how you treat others in the process. How we treat others in the process can make or break an experience. In our profession, we lose sight of this, especially internally while dealing with peers.

Reasonableness is the quiet power behind great leadership. Reasonableness is a guiding principle that helps us function smoothly. It is about being balanced and thoughtful, not passive or emotionless. I believe this is something we can all benefit from — whether it’s dealing with the public or dealing with a peer in an internal investigation. Reasonableness is valuable, but it is not always easy.