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

Embracing ‘neutral zones’: Where honest feedback finds creative solutions
–

How to navigate that time after changes have been made but before the benefits have been realized
Fire service nonconformists: Not always easy to manage but often critical for positive change
–

While it sometimes makes sense to go along to get along, the lone voice of dissent often provides meaningful insight
Staying hydrated is vital in the fire service
–

Even mild dehydration results in significant negative physical outcomes, which is dangerous when lives are on the line
Cultural competency: Why outside trainers fail to capture firefighters’ attention
–

While non-fire-specific training can be beneficial, trainers who fail to understand the needs of first responders will lose their interest
Hot-button issues: How to manage contentious conversations at the station
–

The company officer is the first line of defense when debate escalates
The fire service identity crisis: What should we call ourselves?
–

Names can describe, categorize and serve as a symbol, but we also need to update them when appropriate
10 ways firefighters can support their own mental health
–

It’s a stressful job, so you need to know how to check in and take care of yourself
Ollie’s last day: The impact of a SIDS death on first responders
–

We do everything we can in the hope we’re wrong about what is happening to the smallest of victims
Input vs. output: Why fire service teamwork should be a measure for success
–

In emergency services, the efforts of the crew and lessons learned on the ground are just as important as the outcome
5 dysfunctions that turn teams into mere groups
–

From issues of trust, conflict and commitment to accountability avoidance and inattention, dysfunction can render a team utterly ineffective
Making history: Meet the 3 female captains of Fairfax County’s Fire Station 37
–

The staffing of captains Felicia Barnes, Emily Murphy and Katja Lancing marked the first time all three captain positions at one station were held by women
Rules and standards: Finding the right balance starts with knowing the difference
–

Fire service leaders must learn to articulate clarity with rules and nuance with standards
Leadership against all odds: Every officer should know the story of Ernest Shackleton
–

Shackleton’s guidance and perseverance under unimaginable conditions can be emulated by all fire officers
‘Mindful decon’: Going beyond physical decontamination
–

If there are protocols for PPE and physical decon, why don’t we conduct ‘mindful decontamination’ following stressful calls?
How to run a productive fire department meeting
–

While meetings are not typically a fan favorite, they can be productive places to gather and collaborate, if managed well
Load More