The success of any team depends on its leadership. Without a cool and knowledgeable head at the helm, your department is a ship in a storm bound for trouble. The fire officer holds a position that requires both management and leadership skills in order to create cohesion in the high-stakes world of the fire service. Consider the following tips in your officer development to insure that operations run smoothly and, at a time of crisis, lives are saved
1) Know your team
As a company officer, you will be leading a group of distinct individuals, many of whom may come from a diverse range of backgrounds and hold a diverse range of views and values. In order to facilitate productive group chemistry, it is important to see and understand each individual’s place in the wider context of the group. Good delegation is the key to good management. By knowing the nuances of your team members, you will be able to set appropriate goals for each individual, ensuring they are empowered and motivated towards the big picture of your department’s mission, vision, and operations.
2) Keep lines of communication open
Communication is the cornerstone of leadership, and the safety and success of your team depends on it. Whether in routine group meetings or individualized feedback, keeping multiple lines of communication open is fundamental in making sure everyone is on the same page and working together effectively. As a fire officer, you need to be accessible to talk with each individual about his or her role and any problems or challenges they are facing. Similarly, you need to be open to team feedback without taking it personally. Conflicts and misunderstandings will always arise, but a skilled communicator will quickly and smoothly resolve any difficult situation.
3) Take ownership of your company’s message and actions
As a fire officer, you will no longer represent just yourself. In the eyes of the fire department, the fire officer represents the fire chief and the broader organization. This means assuming the responsibility for the performance and safety of your team, but it also means taking ownership of the department at large. Avoid “theying” when delivering a message from the higher-ups. Using phrases like “Guess what they have done now” shows weak leadership. You are the person delivering the message. You are the person your team will respond to.
4) Keep your team engaged with training exercises
Regular training exercises are key in keeping your team quick and sharp in emergency situations. They are also the best place to see how individual team members will function as a unit, where their strengths and weakness are, and in which areas you need to facilitate greater cohesion. Keeping your department active with regular drills and training exercises will build strength in your team, making sure everyone knows that when an emergency situation arises, every member can trust you and each other with their lives.
5) Equip yourself with a solid foundation of knowledge
There are countless resources available that provide a solid framework for an officer’s leadership. Formal training with NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, will give you a necessary foundation of knowledge recognized in departments everywhere. Going forward from there, the more you educate yourself about the workings of your company, and the kinds of situations you will likely respond to, the more capable you will be in responding to the myriad situations that can arise. Respect from your team will naturally follow.
