Where firefighters come to talk training
One Piece of Advice
So far there has been a lot of discussion in different places about mentoring, growing our own, and making our people better.
So here is the question......
You are an Officer and your senior firefighter is about to get promoted. What is the one piece of advice you would give?
I realize there may be more than one, but if you had to boil it down, what direction would you send this firefighter in and how would you try and help with the transition.
I posted it here because many may not see it in one of the groups.....
So here is the question......
You are an Officer and your senior firefighter is about to get promoted. What is the one piece of advice you would give?
I realize there may be more than one, but if you had to boil it down, what direction would you send this firefighter in and how would you try and help with the transition.
I posted it here because many may not see it in one of the groups.....
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Walker on -
I like that one!
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Permalink Reply by Bob Carpenter on -
Right on the mark, Jim Duffy. I remember a rockin' crew that I had as a fairly new Lt. and the Battalion would come up to me after a fire with kudos. My response was always "Well Chief, I have a helluva crew."
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Permalink Reply by Greg Wild on -
It's to hard to narrow this question down to one piece of advice.
But, if I had to, it would be to train everyday and provide your people with a good combination of academy (book) knowleadge and real world (common sense & experience) training.
Lead by example.
Be humble.
Train hard.
DTRT
RFB.
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Permalink Reply by Bill Sullivan on -
Senior firefighter? I am going to assume this firefighter has between 10-15 years on the job. I think the best advise you could give him or her is this... "Your not one of the guys any more." Take the experience you have gained in your time on the job and share it with those who work under you, it is your obligation to them to do just that. Take the good and the bad you have seen in officers you have served under and develop a leadership style that works for you. Be out in front and lead by example. Bitch up about things that you are not pleased with, never complain down. You don't have to walk around like "all is right with the world" it is not. However, your in a better position now to become part of the solution. Work tirelessly to teach those assigned to you how to do their jobs professionally and safely. It is their job to get the work done, it is your job to ensure their safety while they do it. Listen to those around you, regardless of rank, and learn from them. It may have once been possible to know everything there was to know about everything there was. It is now impossible to know everything there is to know about any one thing. So understand that the decisions rest with you, but do not be above taking input when the situation allows it. Oh, and good luck!!!
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Permalink Reply by Art Zern on -
Great responses. To lead by example includes all of the above, I would add that your example needs to extend to every conversation, every phone call, every e-mail, every action. You will be evaluated and held to account for the degree to which your deeds align with your words. We have very few things in this life that really belong to us....our reputations and our credibility are two important "belongings". As an officer, work daily to seek continuous improvement (for you and your men) to achieve and maintain the reputation as a leader. Your men will follow. Seek to establish credibility as a craftsmen in the trade, become the "go to guy". Once you have established a measure of credibility and a good reputation...protect them at all times and improve upon them with every opportunity. Additionally, protect your members from harm. Have a genuine interest not only for their physical safety, but also for their general well-being. Honor them and the other members of your department and the service always. If they don't believe that you care for them and have their best interest in mind, they will not trust you. If you don't have their trust, you will not have their respect. Participate and supervise in even the most routine daily tasks such as the daily rig check. Begin the day as a team, the check should be performed as a company...all members. Its not about checking the boxes on the form, it is about team building and training and gaining a greater depth of knowledge about your rig and equipment. Even the simple, mundane, daily tasks have value. Advocate for them, push them, pull them don't fear the difficult issues. As you deal with them it will get easier. Issues such as tolerance in the firehouse can be very difficult to deal with effectively. However, remember...if you condone it, you own it. Without or in the absence of leadership...there will be leadership. That is and should be your job, don't let anyone else provide the leadership your company members need and desire. Teach them that it is our duty and obligation to each other to maintain a level of fitness and wellness. There is no one else to come to our aid when the @#&*!# hits the fan. Make fitness and wellness a priority. Wear your seat belts and insist that everyone wears theirs. OK, enough from me, I know we could all go on and on.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Berter on -
Dont go into your new position trying to make sweeping changes. This is only going to muddy the waters for you. You are a senior firefighter moving to an Officers spot, you have a good idea on how you want your shift to operate, ease into it. Get a feel for how the fellas do their thing and slowly institute your own ideas. If you do this slowly the guys will be more recpetive and more likely to accept the new way. But keep in mind that your the boss. If their way ain't workin, fix it now!!
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Patterson on -
I would hope as their officer, I played a large part in their career success. I know that it's really up to them but we always talk about developing our future officers so I want to be a part of it. I would tell them to remember to share their career with others, train, train, train, and never stop learning. They must remember how they got to where they are and don't leave their shift without making some contribution to their community, department, and crew. The biggest thing is that no matter where they go, they need to know that you're there for them to continue supporting them to hopefully be the best officer possible. Continue helping them through the sticky areas. It will come back and help you in the long run.
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Permalink Reply by Rob Gaylor on -
I agree 100%
I think that I would add by saying pick and choose your battles. On the fireground you have to make split second decisions that may change your life as well as your crew's. In the fire house you may not have all of the answers but if you don't know say you don't but find them for you and your crew. Be a great listener as well as a great leader.
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Permalink Reply by Mark Lee on -
My one piece of advice would be to tell this senior firefighter to "Remember my mistakes and strive not to repeat them. Remember our crew's successes and lead your crew into their own."
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Permalink Reply by Greg Fisher on -
whatever strengths and skills that firefighter possesses to get promoted...pass that along from day one as a new officer. Give the "crew" the information, skills and direction to take over the job down the road. Build the crew by training, regardless of how painful to the status quo.
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Permalink Reply by Tim Williams on -
Don't try to be your crews friend. You are their boss. Be fair and treat each member with respect and they will respect you. Stand up for your crew and help them in anyway that you can. Join them in working around the firehouse with daily duties. You don't always have to help be pitching in is a good leadership example and has worked for me in the past. My crew will do almost anything for me if they know that I am with them. Don' t be fraid to make a decision or mistake, they happen. Handle discipline prompt and swift and move on, make it a learning moment for the employee and yourself.
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Permalink Reply by Peggy Glenn on -
Hi Dave - I recommend that your firefighter read (or listen) to Chase Sargent's book, "From Buddy to Boss." The reviews from fire service people who've read it are all positive. Believe it or not, I've even used it here at the Firefighters Bookstore to help employees understand the transition from being "one of the gang" to being "leader of the gang." Chase's book is a comfortable read, and it also now comes in audiobook format which you can play by CD or by downloading the MP3 file into your personal player. If you want to get a copy from us, check it out at www.firebooks.com, or call us at 800-727-3327.
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