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Thank Your Chief
My blog is experiencing technical difficulties (probably user generated) so I figured I'd post on the forum. It's short anyway, so maybe it will cause some of the Nation's users to think a little.
Sometimes I read a post on here from some hell-raising, ready-to-go, new firefighter who has been issued the license to go fight fires, has had the training, but now they are limited by their inferior leadership. Now while that may very well be the case, I have the luxury of some experience, and know that this is not ALWAYS the case.
Once upon a time, I was helping teach a shoring class, and one of the young bucks in the class made a snide remark about my technique, which was demonstration quality, but no where even near as flawless as the other instructor, who I consider one of the best in the business. I thought about it and should have replied, "you are probably right, but when you are thinking later about who was persistently developing plans, working the numbers for budget, and working the politicians to fund it all, remember that your technique in that venue probably sucks. So since I can do both and you are learning to do one of these things, it's probably best if you shut up."
But, no, I didn't say any of that, although shutting him down in front of everyone would have been satisfying, it's counterproductive. My point being, the next time you are questioning the technical competence of your chief, maybe it's time you thought about all of what they have seen before you, and what they do behind the scenes in order to get you the tools, the training, and the other stuff you need to do the job. And yes, there are plenty of chiefs who don't do any of it well, but I would bet that there are plenty out there who do, and you never just say "thanks" to them. I'll bet it would make their day and probably elevate you a little in their eyes as well.
Sometimes I read a post on here from some hell-raising, ready-to-go, new firefighter who has been issued the license to go fight fires, has had the training, but now they are limited by their inferior leadership. Now while that may very well be the case, I have the luxury of some experience, and know that this is not ALWAYS the case.
Once upon a time, I was helping teach a shoring class, and one of the young bucks in the class made a snide remark about my technique, which was demonstration quality, but no where even near as flawless as the other instructor, who I consider one of the best in the business. I thought about it and should have replied, "you are probably right, but when you are thinking later about who was persistently developing plans, working the numbers for budget, and working the politicians to fund it all, remember that your technique in that venue probably sucks. So since I can do both and you are learning to do one of these things, it's probably best if you shut up."
But, no, I didn't say any of that, although shutting him down in front of everyone would have been satisfying, it's counterproductive. My point being, the next time you are questioning the technical competence of your chief, maybe it's time you thought about all of what they have seen before you, and what they do behind the scenes in order to get you the tools, the training, and the other stuff you need to do the job. And yes, there are plenty of chiefs who don't do any of it well, but I would bet that there are plenty out there who do, and you never just say "thanks" to them. I'll bet it would make their day and probably elevate you a little in their eyes as well.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Allen Wahlstrom on
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Well said Brother!
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Permalink Reply by Brent E Webster on
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Thanks a lot
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Permalink Reply by Wes Anders on
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Very well said. The community can be just as bad also.
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Permalink Reply by Mick Mayers on
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Yeah, that's gonna take a whole other post.
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Permalink Reply by Anthony Volpe on
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Well put. I have a great Chief at the Vollie gig that does anything for the District. As far as my training division, "ask and I shall receive". That is how it should be. Hats off to all the Chiefs out there doin the right thing all the time.
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Permalink Reply by J Mac on
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Hey Troops,
Have you ever herd the story about the old bull and the young bull standing on top of the hill?
The young bull wants to run down the hill to where the cows are so he could take care of one of the cows. The old bull says lets walk and we can take care of them all. (OK this is the clean version)
Being one of the old bulls I have learned to work smarter not harder. But let’s not forget that we were once the young bull and some of those old bulls helped us get to where we are now. The future of the fire service lies in these young bulls. Some will be sitting in our seats in a matter of time. Some will be nothing but a flash in the pan and will be gone before we know it.
How do you know the difference? Do your job as a mentor and they will weed themselves out. The ones that stick around will be well worth your time and effort. The others….. that was their choice not ours.
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Well, I wasn't angling for personal recognition, but I appreciate it. I just get tired of some of the complaining I have seen and a general unwillingness for some to realize there's more to fighting fires and picking up the sick and injured than fighting fires and picking up the sick and injured. It's a team effort and just like the unsung heroes of many football teams are the offensive line, there are a lot of "support staff" out there behind the scene of every superstar.
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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on
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"Babies learn how to knock over wooden blocks long before they learn how to stack them"
Excellant use of the perfect quote for this discussion.
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I liked that "babies" line too. I'll keep that one in mind, Tom.
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As I said, "...And yes, there are plenty of chiefs who don't do any of it well, but I would bet that there are plenty out there who do, and you never just say "thanks" to them."
Unfortunately, with some of the successful and forward thinking leaders out there we have people with small minds and no ability to manage a hiccup, much less a fire department, who occupy spaces where better people should be. And also unfortunately, there lies the work required to educate the personnel and hopefully see that type of person off and replace them with enlightened leaders.
I don't know how to answer your question because in some cases this situation is a result of the status quo, in others the result of misinformed elected officials, and in others still the result of someone whose time has come and gone and needs to move on. As has been said on occasion on this site and in much of the management literature, work toward change, be positive, try to improve the situation, and if all else fails, look for a job somewhere else.
My wife had a boss who sounds like yours. She beat her head against a wall for six years until she finally decided to leave and start her own business. There was a lot of stress in making that leap, but since then, she is much happier and has control of her own destiny. In emergency services, we face the same issues. There comes a time from time to time when we have to say, is it worth it facing this idiot every day, or do we go somehwere else? I made the choice years ago to change and it was bittersweet, but for the better.
Good luck and I wish I had a better answer for you.
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