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

Developing firefighter grit requires deliberate practice and stretch goals
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Grit – an attitude of determination to never give up – is a key predictor of long-term success
Leadership against all odds: Every officer should know the story of Ernest Shackleton
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Shackleton’s guidance and perseverance under unimaginable conditions can be emulated by all fire officers
How firefighters unintentionally violate HIPAA and similar policies
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Confidentiality as a professional standard is the goal, but firefighters may not realize how simple it is to cross the line
The power of optimism: How firefighters can grow this essential trait
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Optimism is less a personality trait and more a strategy for how to deal with outside events – and strategies can be learned
A quiet revolution: How can we apply ABLE to the fire service?
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Knowing how to intervene when a firefighter is going off the rails could save their career and protect the department’s reputation
The science of making positive change: Simple steps for big change
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Think big and act small, time it right using “commitment devices,” and focus on positive reinforcement and social norms
Albuquerque Fire’s new behavioral health director has long ties to the fire service
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Maia Dalton-Theodore will focus on collaboration, plus safe, confidential and customized services, to serve the city’s firefighters
Diversity training: How fire departments can do it better
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Key reasons diversity training misses the mark – and steps to make it worth the time
Diffusing fire department battles: Cross-training is key for better understanding and empathy
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Working side-by-side highlights that personal perceptions of others’ job duties can be limited and skewed
Cultivate a ‘beginner’s mind’ for ongoing growth
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Learn to ask for and accept help when needed, even after years of believing you have mastered your craft
When is hazing OK? Never. Let me explain.
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Some members will simply never have equal power to exercise control over others using the same hazing tactics
Firefighter violence: Prevention involves awareness, support and treatment options
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Fire departments are not immune from workplace violence, so we must develop meaningful support and treatment systems
‘Women get tired of breaking the glass’: Why female chief officers turn to lawsuits
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Female chief officers show that harassment and discrimination know no rank
The lost art of interacting with the public: Simple guidelines for firefighters
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With skills, preparation and clear expectations, firefighters can facilitate productive conversations with bystanders at an incident
Chain reactions: How stress and fear can impact decision-making
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Following key steps can help firefighters manage stress in order to reduce fear and improve decision-making, both on and off the emergency scene
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