Linda Willing

Leading the Team

Linda Willing is a retired career fire officer and currently works with emergency services agencies and other organizations on issues of leadership development, decision-making, and diversity management through her company, RealWorld Training and Consulting. She is also an adjunct instructor and curriculum advisor with the National Fire Academy. Willing is the author of On the Line: Women Firefighters Tell Their Stories. Willing has a bachelor’s degree in American studies, a master’s degree in organization development and is a certified mediator. She is a member of the FireRescue1/Fire Chief Editorial Advisory Board. Connect with Willing via email.

Full list of Linda Willing results

Doing nothing is not nothing: Learn the skills to stand up and speak out
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Breaking a groupthink mentality requires two key skills – and support from leadership
3 keys to passing fire officer exams
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As with any test, learning as much as you can about the test-giver, the test and yourself will pay big rewards
Standing up or going along: How the fear of being shunned impacts our choices
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Reflecting on why other officers didn’t speak up during George Floyd’s detainment
Time-traveling to remember your pre-COVID-19 priorities
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Don’t let the current crisis destroy your previously identified individual goals and departmental priorities
A universal principle: Don’t make the situation worse
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Three ways to maintain balance during difficult times and not exacerbate the problem
Valor Station: A struggle against odds to open treatment facility for first responders
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The Georgia facility would include treatment from medical detox through recovery along with complete mental health services
COVID-19 & wildland fire: Retired fire chief throws a warning flag
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Chief Bob Roper implores the fire service to plan now for how to manage the upcoming fire season amid the pandemic
The bigger ‘What if …?’: How to answer COVID-19 staffing questions
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Steps your department can take now to prevent disruption from sudden personnel or staffing changes
Ashes2Art: The healing power of creativity for firefighters
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Nonprofit helps firefighters promote creativity to counterbalance the negative impacts of the job
Company officer challenges in the era of COVID-19
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Now is the time to focus on training, communication and restorative support
Prevent the erosion of public trust from photo-related controversies
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Two simple ways fire departments can help members understand proper actions related to taking and sharing incident photos
Situation de-escalation: Preparation and practice are key for first responders
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Video shows officers in New York keep their cool during a tense traffic stop involving an aggravated city councilman
5 things a company fire officer should never say
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These statements reflect an attitude that may seem harmless in the short term, but will undermine leadership in the long run
Fire and police scuffle: Tips for managing conflict among agencies
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An unfortunate incident between agencies underscores the need to proactively work with outside agencies and build skills to mitigate conflict
Gender neutral or gender inclusive? What to consider in fire station design
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Understanding the different models to facility design can help fire service leaders find the best solution for their department
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