Building a Team - Fire Engineering Training Community2024-03-29T15:28:17Zhttps://community.fireengineering.com/forum/topic/show?commentId=1219672%3AComment%3A108083&id=1219672%3ATopic%3A24263&feed=yes&xn_auth=noSeasons Greetings!
It has b…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2014-12-26:1219672:Comment:6100382014-12-26T20:29:04.327ZScott Richardsonhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/ScottRichardson
<p>Seasons Greetings!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It has been a while since we have opened up this question for duiscussion. We have many new members to the FE Training Community as well as many new experiences from those who have been a part of this discussion.</p>
<p>If you are new to the community, or this discussion, welcome! whether you are new or have been here before, please give us your thoughts on the question:</p>
<p><strong>What do you feel is the most significant roadblock to building a team,…</strong></p>
<p>Seasons Greetings!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It has been a while since we have opened up this question for duiscussion. We have many new members to the FE Training Community as well as many new experiences from those who have been a part of this discussion.</p>
<p>If you are new to the community, or this discussion, welcome! whether you are new or have been here before, please give us your thoughts on the question:</p>
<p><strong>What do you feel is the most significant roadblock to building a team, any team. From an engine or truck company, station crew or battalion to a special operations team such as hazardous materials or technical rescue?</strong></p> Scott:
Brother, you are righ…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2010-02-22:1219672:Comment:1696722010-02-22T20:41:31.126ZBen Fleaglehttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/BenFleagle
Scott:<br />
<br />
Brother, you are right about that 10/80/10 fraction. What seems to boggle my mind is how much ego and fear of change come into it as well. In some departments, the doers are sometimes now part of the 10 percent that cause the 80 percent of the problem. I would encourage everyone to constantly ask themselves if they are being open and honest in their approach, willing to listen to criticism and disagreement without taking personal offense, EVEN when it is intended as such. You can disarm…
Scott:<br />
<br />
Brother, you are right about that 10/80/10 fraction. What seems to boggle my mind is how much ego and fear of change come into it as well. In some departments, the doers are sometimes now part of the 10 percent that cause the 80 percent of the problem. I would encourage everyone to constantly ask themselves if they are being open and honest in their approach, willing to listen to criticism and disagreement without taking personal offense, EVEN when it is intended as such. You can disarm the aggressor and pull people to your cause if they sense a non-threatening approach that is not easily fractious. And of course, the reverse is then true as well. My own personality struggles with this a great deal. I get pretty fired up at what I view as incompetent, head in the sand or denial of the case as I think it plainly exists. That hasn't been a friendly road for me. I am trying to learn a little temperance and grace.<br />
<br />
<cite>Scott Richardson said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://community.fireengineering.com/forum/topic/show?commentId=1219672%3AComment%3A169573&id=1219672%3ATopic%3A24263&xg_source=msg_com_forum#1219672Comment169573"><div>So there I was, browsing through leadership discussions and I came across one that caught my eye. The subject of this discussion was the lack of leadership of a volunteer department. first, I would like to say, my helmet is off to the firefighter that started the discussion. It seems this is a problem he was frustrated with for a long time. He encountered several roadblocks; many individuals weighed in with great advice, hats off to them as well.<br/> <br/>
The overwhelming feeling I took away from the discussion reaffirms to me, that communication, in many forms is needed to ensure a team moves forward. Talking thing over, openly and honestly is a good start. In this case, the firefighter tried, several discussions with the chief, and the B of D, to no avail. One discussion participant suggested the adage that: <u>many times we hear the complaints and bad things. What we need to hear is issues AND potential solutions.</u> Sound advice!<br/>
<br/>
In this situation, the firefighter was encouraged to get with the key personnel. I call them the 10% of the 10/80/10. the first 10% of this fraction is the 10% that create 80% of the issues needing attention. The other 10% are the "go-getter" type in the department. the core group of doers that get things done.<br/>
<br/>
If you find your team is a situation where roadblocks get in your way, find that core team within your organization and work together to develop programs to overcome! Whether it is policies and procedures, SOGs, FOGs, etc. or it is leadership and training. Every emergency services organization has this core group, that is why many of us found this calling. Additionally, there are many resources right here on the Community FE page. Many of the programs already exist and we are all willing to PASS IT ON!<br/>
<br/>
God bless you all...BE SAFE!<br/>
Scott</div>
</blockquote> So there I was, browsing thro…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2010-02-21:1219672:Comment:1695732010-02-21T18:04:44.885ZScott Richardsonhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/ScottRichardson
So there I was, browsing through leadership discussions and I came across one that caught my eye. The subject of this discussion was the lack of leadership of a volunteer department. first, I would like to say, my helmet is off to the firefighter that started the discussion. It seems this is a problem he was frustrated with for a long time. He encountered several roadblocks; many individuals weighed in with great advice, hats off to them as well.<br />
<br />
The overwhelming feeling I took away from the…
So there I was, browsing through leadership discussions and I came across one that caught my eye. The subject of this discussion was the lack of leadership of a volunteer department. first, I would like to say, my helmet is off to the firefighter that started the discussion. It seems this is a problem he was frustrated with for a long time. He encountered several roadblocks; many individuals weighed in with great advice, hats off to them as well.<br />
<br />
The overwhelming feeling I took away from the discussion reaffirms to me, that communication, in many forms is needed to ensure a team moves forward. Talking thing over, openly and honestly is a good start. In this case, the firefighter tried, several discussions with the chief, and the B of D, to no avail. One discussion participant suggested the adage that: <u>many times we hear the complaints and bad things. What we need to hear is issues AND potential solutions.</u> Sound advice!<br />
<br />
In this situation, the firefighter was encouraged to get with the key personnel. I call them the 10% of the 10/80/10. the first 10% of this fraction is the 10% that create 80% of the issues needing attention. The other 10% are the "go-getter" type in the department. the core group of doers that get things done.<br />
<br />
If you find your team is a situation where roadblocks get in your way, find that core team within your organization and work together to develop programs to overcome! Whether it is policies and procedures, SOGs, FOGs, etc. or it is leadership and training. Every emergency services organization has this core group, that is why many of us found this calling. Additionally, there are many resources right here on the Community FE page. Many of the programs already exist and we are all willing to PASS IT ON!<br />
<br />
God bless you all...BE SAFE!<br />
Scott Hey Jeff, Thank you for your…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2009-11-27:1219672:Comment:1635682009-11-27T01:18:16.571ZScott Richardsonhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/ScottRichardson
Hey Jeff, Thank you for your post. I believe you captured what I call the <i>Leadership Triad</i>. Communication, trust, and respect. That is, you cannot have one without the other two. Honest, open communication goes a long way toward earning respect and trust. When a team is "renovated" some of those building blocks must be reset in the foundation. For example, suppose a station looses a veteran firefighter and gains a rookie. Roles in the team may shift a little; the foundation reinforced…
Hey Jeff, Thank you for your post. I believe you captured what I call the <i>Leadership Triad</i>. Communication, trust, and respect. That is, you cannot have one without the other two. Honest, open communication goes a long way toward earning respect and trust. When a team is "renovated" some of those building blocks must be reset in the foundation. For example, suppose a station looses a veteran firefighter and gains a rookie. Roles in the team may shift a little; the foundation reinforced with expectations and mentoring.<br />
<br />
Happy holidays to everyone!<br />
Scott<br />
<br />
<cite>Jeff Yancey said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://community.fireengineering.com/forum/topic/show?page=10&commentId=1219672%3AComment%3A161875&id=1219672%3ATopic%3A24263&x=1#1219672Comment161875"><div>Scott, I believe the most significant roadblock to team building is communication. Communication is a requirement to ensure all members involved want to be there. Any good team must have a good leader. Too many times a teams are formed utilizing personnel already present with little or no communication of the change beforehand. This can create animosity on the part of members resistant to change usually due to feelings that they are being roped into something. Communication is key for presenting expectations in the form of goals to a team. It also aids the group in developing sound strategic objectives. Reading some of the other posts, it is true that everyone involved must buy into the idea of a team concept for it to be successful. This falls on the team's leader to ensure the lines of communication remain open in order to recruit and retain the most talented personnel. There are two other primary causes that contribute to the demise of a team. These are trust and respect. Members must be able to trust each other as well as respect the many differences brought to the group. Leaders must keep this in mind when initially forming the team. Any way you slice it, there are no bad teams, only bad leaders. The team's leader will be the most visible person in the department if the group fails to perform, but the team will be the most visible in the case of a job well done. I hope this is of some use to you, good question.</div>
</blockquote> Scott, I believe the most sig…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2009-10-28:1219672:Comment:1618752009-10-28T08:05:35.525ZJeff Yanceyhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/JeffYancey
Scott, I believe the most significant roadblock to team building is communication. Communication is a requirement to ensure all members involved want to be there. Any good team must have a good leader. Too many times a teams are formed utilizing personnel already present with little or no communication of the change beforehand. This can create animosity on the part of members resistant to change usually due to feelings that they are being roped into something. Communication is key for…
Scott, I believe the most significant roadblock to team building is communication. Communication is a requirement to ensure all members involved want to be there. Any good team must have a good leader. Too many times a teams are formed utilizing personnel already present with little or no communication of the change beforehand. This can create animosity on the part of members resistant to change usually due to feelings that they are being roped into something. Communication is key for presenting expectations in the form of goals to a team. It also aids the group in developing sound strategic objectives. Reading some of the other posts, it is true that everyone involved must buy into the idea of a team concept for it to be successful. This falls on the team's leader to ensure the lines of communication remain open in order to recruit and retain the most talented personnel. There are two other primary causes that contribute to the demise of a team. These are trust and respect. Members must be able to trust each other as well as respect the many differences brought to the group. Leaders must keep this in mind when initially forming the team. Any way you slice it, there are no bad teams, only bad leaders. The team's leader will be the most visible person in the department if the group fails to perform, but the team will be the most visible in the case of a job well done. I hope this is of some use to you, good question. Over the last two weeks I had…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2009-10-23:1219672:Comment:1615682009-10-23T22:57:21.359ZScott Richardsonhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/ScottRichardson
Over the last two weeks I had the priviledge of being a part of the FEMA SCT Course here in Colorado. Two weeks of breaking concrete, breaching walls, floors, ceilings, and heavy lifting and cutting operations. It never ceases to amaze me what an awesone job we have, paid OR volunteer.<br />
<br />
an experience I would highly recommend if you get the chance. The instructors and staff of West Metro Fire Rescue and FEMA did an awesome job as well. The professionalism and respect between participants and the…
Over the last two weeks I had the priviledge of being a part of the FEMA SCT Course here in Colorado. Two weeks of breaking concrete, breaching walls, floors, ceilings, and heavy lifting and cutting operations. It never ceases to amaze me what an awesone job we have, paid OR volunteer.<br />
<br />
an experience I would highly recommend if you get the chance. The instructors and staff of West Metro Fire Rescue and FEMA did an awesome job as well. The professionalism and respect between participants and the staff was truely noteworthy. Here, Here, my Brother. Well…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2009-09-14:1219672:Comment:1588222009-09-14T23:49:09.188ZJohn Powerhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/JohnSPower
Here, Here, my Brother. Well said, and well done. I'll drink to that!!!!<br />
<br />
<cite>Scott Richardson said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://community.fireengineering.com/forum/topic/show?page=10&commentId=1219672%3AComment%3A158789&id=1219672%3ATopic%3A24263&x=1#1219672Comment158789"><div>On September 11th of this year I had the honor of climbing the Quest Tower building twice with 342 firefighters, most in much better shape than I. Those in the fire service understand why we still have…</div>
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Here, Here, my Brother. Well said, and well done. I'll drink to that!!!!<br />
<br />
<cite>Scott Richardson said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://community.fireengineering.com/forum/topic/show?page=10&commentId=1219672%3AComment%3A158789&id=1219672%3ATopic%3A24263&x=1#1219672Comment158789"><div>On September 11th of this year I had the honor of climbing the Quest Tower building twice with 342 firefighters, most in much better shape than I. Those in the fire service understand why we still have heavy hearts on that day. I must admit, I was glad when we got to floor 110. Whenever I thought I was to exhausted to continue, I looked at the picture I had of Billy. Billy is FF William R. Johnston. He was a station member of a longtime family friend of mine, Uncle Patrick. I was overwhelmed to hear that I could carry him up the stairs with me. I was honored just to be there, much less carry someone I was familiar with.<br/> <br/>
That night I had the honor of delivering a bell ceremony at the Celtic House Pub, the site of many an Honor Guard meetings, birthdays, promotion parties, memorials, and so on. There is no greater honor that the honor of paying tribute to those who gave so much.<br/>
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To the 343: You are always in our thoughts, you will forever be in our prayers; we shall never forget the sacrifice you have made. God bless you, your family and your Brothers!<br/>
<br/>
Scott</div>
</blockquote> On September 11th of this yea…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2009-09-14:1219672:Comment:1587892009-09-14T18:05:16.982ZScott Richardsonhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/ScottRichardson
On September 11th of this year I had the honor of climbing the Quest Tower building twice with 342 firefighters, most in much better shape than I. Those in the fire service understand why we still have heavy hearts on that day. I must admit, I was glad when we got to floor 110. Whenever I thought I was to exhausted to continue, I looked at the picture I had of Billy. Billy is FF William R. Johnston. He was a station member of a longtime family friend of mine, Uncle Patrick. I was overwhelmed to…
On September 11th of this year I had the honor of climbing the Quest Tower building twice with 342 firefighters, most in much better shape than I. Those in the fire service understand why we still have heavy hearts on that day. I must admit, I was glad when we got to floor 110. Whenever I thought I was to exhausted to continue, I looked at the picture I had of Billy. Billy is FF William R. Johnston. He was a station member of a longtime family friend of mine, Uncle Patrick. I was overwhelmed to hear that I could carry him up the stairs with me. I was honored just to be there, much less carry someone I was familiar with.<br />
<br />
That night I had the honor of delivering a bell ceremony at the Celtic House Pub, the site of many an Honor Guard meetings, birthdays, promotion parties, memorials, and so on. There is no greater honor that the honor of paying tribute to those who gave so much.<br />
<br />
To the 343: You are always in our thoughts, you will forever be in our prayers; we shall never forget the sacrifice you have made. God bless you, your family and your Brothers!<br />
<br />
Scott Scott:
Excellent example. Yo…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2009-08-21:1219672:Comment:1572912009-08-21T19:33:26.034ZBen Fleaglehttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/BenFleagle
Scott:<br />
<br />
Excellent example. You hit it, Brother.
Scott:<br />
<br />
Excellent example. You hit it, Brother. Dr. Gasaway,
I would like to…tag:community.fireengineering.com,2009-08-17:1219672:Comment:1570692009-08-17T17:17:18.259ZScott Richardsonhttps://community.fireengineering.com/profile/ScottRichardson
Dr. Gasaway,<br />
<br />
I would like to welcome you to <i>Building a Team</i>. I appreciate your willingness to sit down with the group and discuss team building. I understand your analogy regarding speed bumps and road blocks. I think we would all agree that individual perspective is essential to the development and cohesiveness of a team. That being said, I believe there are speed bumps and there are road blocks.<br />
<br />
Case in point; a (single vehicle) roll-over accident in an Interstate with a single…
Dr. Gasaway,<br />
<br />
I would like to welcome you to <i>Building a Team</i>. I appreciate your willingness to sit down with the group and discuss team building. I understand your analogy regarding speed bumps and road blocks. I think we would all agree that individual perspective is essential to the development and cohesiveness of a team. That being said, I believe there are speed bumps and there are road blocks.<br />
<br />
Case in point; a (single vehicle) roll-over accident in an Interstate with a single person trapped. The fire department has been handling this accident for decades without the use of advanced vehicle stabilization kits, such as struts. and advanced hydraulic extrication equipment capable of disentangling current heavy steel used to "fortify newer cars.<br />
<br />
An example of a Operational challenge (speed bump) using this scenario is: Inability of firefighters to recognize appropriate resources needed to respond to specific incidents outside the "traditional firefighter" role. This is a speed bump because, provided the appropriate educational forum, my extrication instructors can demonstrate the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" of these tools; their integration with standard firefighting practices, and the necessity of that integration.<br />
<br />
An example of a roadblock is a member of the command staff being unwilling to change operational response plans to ensure the appropriate technical rescue resources are responding to these incidents so a <i>Plan-B</i> is accounted for before it is needed. This is a road block because the command staff exerts a tremendous amount of input into the operational response guidelines. If they are unwilling to listen objectively to the subject matter experts within their own organization, the need outcome will not happen.<br />
<br />
Again, I appreciate and look forward to your discussion.<br />
<br />
Scott Richardson<br />
<br />
<cite>Richard B. Gasaway, PhD said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://community.fireengineering.com/forum/topic/show?page=9&commentId=1219672%3AComment%3A157008&id=1219672%3ATopic%3A24263&x=1#1219672Comment156982"><div>I don't think there are roadblocks to building a successful team. There may be speed bumps that slow you down, but with the right focus and enthusiasm to succeed, there's not stopping any team. One of the things I think is commonly overlooked is the need for team members to still be able to keep their individual identity. Yes, be a part of the team. Wear the team jersey (or uniform), perform your role for the benefit of the team goals, but maintain your identity. That individual perspective and diversity is part of what makes a team strong. Rich Gasaway <a href="http://www.RichGasaway.com">www.RichGasaway.com</a></div>
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