Best way to approach a brother FF (also a friend ) about pulling their weight...

This person is good guy, with respected family in the Department. I think this causes him to have a sense of entitlement, and he honestly doesn't contribute much around the station.

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Comment by marc arnaud on January 5, 2011 at 9:09pm
Thanks for all the suggestions, in todays world; it seems we have to tiptoe through the tulips with people. Even if we are the ones busting our asses on the daily, more often than not, the "slugs" get away with being who they are. My thought is this, i am doing this for a reason, not just a paycheck.....i want to do the job and be good, i have met so many people like me that I am absolutely blown away by a lack of effort.....it could get him or someone else in a bad spot. I will consider all options you all have presented....but i am not afraid to break mine off in his

Everybody stay safe out there
Comment by Kenneth Morris on January 3, 2011 at 6:30pm
Unfortunately there are people like this in the service often they do feel entitled because of their families history in the department, a number of the suggestions given are worth a try but understand even though they may be a good guy they still may not get the point that they are not pulling their weight. Some people will never change and if they attain an officers rank then it can cause moral problems department wide. If this person is a friend then try your best with them just realize you may not succeed.
Comment by Capt. Chris W. Button on January 3, 2011 at 2:43pm
He may not realize he's being lazy. (Happens sometimes, but not often. Usually, lazy people know they are lazy.) All I can say is try talking with him. Anyone worth his salt would take the criticism as constructive and try to improve. The point is, you can't motivate anyone. The change has to come from within. If you're willing to expend the time and energy, you need to find out what does motivate him and go from there.

Also, if the family is respected, maybe some pressure from them might help motivate. If that doesn't work, start climbing the chain of command with official complaints. Small problems sometimes tend to turn into bigger problems for which a paper trail might be helpful. However, if he doesn't care how he's being perceived and doesn't want to change, there's not much you can do except get the paperwork ready for him to sign.
Comment by mike simms on January 3, 2011 at 12:30pm
Have a crew meeting with out the officer and tell the guy how you all feel. If that does not work go up the chain starting with the captain. My hit on this has been if someone slugs out in the firehouse they will do the same at emergency calls. Do the guy a favor and get him squared away.
Comment by SMOKEnPipesJim on January 3, 2011 at 2:01am
see, this is one of the benefits to Old school Ball busting .. I hate the word hazing because that sounds like some nimrod paddling your ass with a board , Thank you sir may I have another...type crap.. On the job or in the vollies IF Your good You learn HOW to deal with the shitbags, we had one who wouldnt do house work , and we tryed numerous ways finally one of the brothers came walking in and moved the couch and a couple dollars in quarters fell out That he planted , next day another guy did the same thing so finally the dope decided They were getting over on "his assignment" and a sure thing, except no one fed the Bank ....
Comment by Wade Seely on January 2, 2011 at 9:27pm
I'm with WP's second suggestion.

TCSS
Comment by RON aka "LUCKY" on January 2, 2011 at 8:03pm
if he's a true FRIEND then there is no reason why you can't start the conversation with, "can we talk, I need to get something off my chest" ,,,, like any relationship communication is key ,,,, he may also have a reason, all of us contribute in different ways and we all excel in different areas ,,,, what you see as slacking may be something he doesn't like dealing with or feels comfortable doing ,,,,
Comment by Norm Tindell on January 2, 2011 at 7:18pm
Always start with a question. Use something like, "So tell me why you haven't been very active in the department lately. What's been going on?" Let him do the talking as he answers your rhetorical questions. You'll hear all his excuses.
Comment by Curt Wiederin on January 2, 2011 at 2:56pm
I would call him out on his lack of contribution to the department and see what he has to say. Point out that you respect that he is a good guy and his family is respected in the department but he needs to show a little bit of humility and do his part. Just cause his family is respected in the department doesnt make him respected if he doesnt do his part.
Comment by Brian Mackie on January 2, 2011 at 9:21am
HI Marc, I suspect there are those kind in every department. Good thing you are not an officer huh? Can you imagine the pain and trouble a real good, well respected officer would have dealing with that issue? Don't sweat the small stuff. Just be the best YOU can be and things tend to work themselves out.
Stay safe bro!
oh, but I do like WP suggestion too!

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