Leadership Skills

lead by example is a great way to start

just cause some one had a degree or many certifications does not mean he or she is qualified

make sure your people go home safe

The first thing that comes to mind regarding leadership is this.." TO GET YOUR MEN TO DO THE THINGS YOU ASK , NOT BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO, BUT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO!" Its like all those stated before.. Step up and lead by example, get your damn ass out of the office and join in. Give us the tools to train and if need be, step in and give a drill. Know your job and deal with problems that arise. Don't act like my friend act like my leader. I have plenty of friends, sometimes we need leaders instead. Don't be so nice sometimes. The ones who truly love the job will follow you anywhere and you have to take care of them and motivate the ones who need it. Don't let one bad apple spoil the whole wagon. Have a backbone and don't forget where you came from. Know your job and have a strong passion for the job. The last thing you want is to be questioned everyday by you men wondering if you really know what you're doing.
Captain Vigiano FDNY L176 what a true "leader"

" TO GET YOUR MEN TO DO THE THINGS YOU ASK , NOT BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO, BUT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO!"

Can't get more basic than that, but a good number of those in the volunteer departments in particular don't lead, they run for office, 24/7.

Brother Tom:

You hit the nail on the head in so many ways. I watch many officers struggle with this and I know at times I have to ask myself " Is my care and concern for my people affecting my leadership?" Sometimes the best thing for the people you serve is to drive them hard and show no mercy. If you truly hold them in respect and lead with humility and integrity, you will back off at the right time and have the grace to admit when you have gone wrong. They do see the integrity in that. I have recieved calls in the past from guys who moved on, thanking me for being a "asshole" at times, " I needed to grow up" or " I needed a swift kick" are common responses. Usually those phone calls or emails arrive right when I need to hear them, and I feel that strong sense of purpose and confidence renewed.
Even the best of leaders have needed encouragement. All of you have written the same thing, using different language and pointing out different aspects, but saying the same thing. This is really good for all of us. Young and old. New leaders and salty ones.

Bobbin and Weavin'

Ben Fleagle

1. People skills. Understanding that everything we do involves the "human element," and that people are alike, and people are different.
2. As a leader of people, performance skills; personal and team.
3. A s a leader of teams, the "process" (getting things done) and how it links the organization's goals to the tasks performed by the "people" in the field.

Isn't amazing how many officers obtain thier bugles without knowing or having a working understanding of those three elements. I really enjoyed your series this past winter about leadership!! The problem is most of the people who need to take these things to heart do not read these articles and certainly wouldn't realize who the finger was pointing at.