A friend of mine is a career firefighter. His company officer is one of those guys who has the job, and that’s it. He only gives the minimum amount of effort required to do the job, if that.
As an officer, it’s our job to lead our subordinates. I’ve made no secret that I believe in “servant leadership” — lead your firefighters by serving them. Nothing is more important to firefighters than the support of the officers leading them, and nothing is more important to officers than the safety and well-being of the firefighters they have the privilege to lead. And along with that leadership comes the responsibility to listen to the input of those firefighters. (Before I go any further, let me say that I empathize with the officers who have firefighters who constantly bring up issues that don’t matter a lick to operational matters.)
Now, back to my friend. The other day, he told me a story about his company officer that takes the cake. And, unfortunately, now that I look back, I’ve seen this same attitude from others. It goes something like this:
“Hey, Cap, the chainsaw needs a new chain.”
“What’s that? The chainsaw needs a new chain?”
“Yes.”
“Well, it could be worse ...”
And that’s the end of the conversation. Sooner or later a new chain will show up, generally after the issue is mentioned to, or noticed by, another shift.
My friend asked me what I thought about this particular situation. I replied that it could be worse, but I’m at a loss as to how.
Last week, FireRescue1 columnist Harold Schapelhouman wrote, “Lead, follow or get out of the way,” and I couldn’t agree more. If you’re an officer, take a long look in the mirror. If your attitude mirrors that of the company officer in the story above, it’s time for you to take responsibility to do just that — lead, follow or get out of the way. Decide whether or not you’re going to lead your firefighters. (If you’re in this profession for the right reasons, I’m certain you’ll choose to lead.)
Now, go tell your firefighters you plan to lead them, and ask them for feedback on your performance. For some of us, apologies may even be in order. Become accountable to your firefighters. Kudos from the officers above you may be nice, but that’s nothing (nothing!) compared to having your firefighters follow you where ever you lead.
Don’t forgot one last thing: I call them “your firefighters” for a reason, and it’s not to belittle them in any shape, form or fashion. The department put you in charge of these firefighters. The department gave them to you to train and keep safe. The department trusts you with their lives. Now, take ownership of that charge, and accept the responsibility that comes with it.