What happens when poor training leads to high-stakes mistakes?

Adam Haidary went from patrolling the streets to reshaping law enforcement—training officers to perform at their peak, saving lives with groundbreaking programs, and exposing the raw realities of life on the frontlines.

In this episode, he dives into why poor training in high-stress environments can lead to catastrophic decisions. Whether it's law enforcement or business, the principles of preparation, clear communication, and solid decision-making are universal.

KEY TOPICS

The principle every business owner should steal from elite combat training. The one thing that separates confident officers from those who freeze in a crisis. How understanding human aggression makes you a better leader. Why most people’s self-defense plan is a dangerous fantasy.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life & Business
00:49 The First Weeks of Fatherhood & a Scary NICU Experience
03:17 Reframing Struggles & the Power of Perspective
05:26 Meet Adam Haidary: From Cop to Business Owner
07:53 The Dangerous Gaps in Law Enforcement Training
10:14 The Pay Problem: Underpaid Officers, Undertrained Departments
12:35 The Soft Skills Crisis in Policing
15:00 The High Turnover & Low Standards Problem
17:22 A Masterclass in De-escalation
19:41 Confidence Over Ego: How Physical Training Reduces Overreactions
22:09 A Road Rage Incident: How Staying Calm Prevented a Fight
24:37 Why Being Physically Prepared Helps You Avoid Violence
27:06 Picking Your Battles: When Officers Should Walk Away
29:30 The Taser Myth: Why It Fails 50% of the Time
31:54 The Problem with Pepper Spray & Batons
34:19 The Reality of Close Combat & Why Pain Compliance Fails
36:43 The Weapon Dilemma: When to Engage vs. Disengage
39:09 The Canine Advantage: Why Police Dogs Are So Effective
41:37 What Most People Get Wrong About Guard Dogs
43:49 The Difference Between Working Dogs & Pets
46:09 Why Retired Working Dogs Struggle Without a Purpose
48:29 Training That Saves Lives: The Impact of Adam’s Work
50:54 The Fastest Way to Build Combat Proficiency
53:20 The Importance of Pressure Testing in Law Enforcement Training
55:48 How One Police Department Cut Use-of-Force Incidents by 80%
58:11 The Data Behind Better Police Training & Fewer Shootings
01:00:37 The Power of Mission-Driven Leadership in Business
01:03:03 Key Combat Principles That Apply to Business & Life
01:07:52 Adam’s Top Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners
01:10:00 Where to Connect with Adam Haidary
01:12:20 Key Takeaways
01:14:44 Message from the Producer

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Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

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CONNECT WITH ADAM HAIDARY

Websites: efcombatives.com & policeposts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.haidary

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EFCombatives

Adam’s Creds…

Founder, Police Posts Co-founder, Effective Fitness 7 years of Law Enforcement Experience (2013-2020) Former Training Supervisor- Rank: Sgt. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy: BID Certified Instructor Purple Belt K9 Training Tac Med Program

Ep.174 I Deciding Like Law Enforcement: Poor Training Creates High-Stakes Mistakes with Adam Haidary