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Generational Differences

Five generations of firefighters currently work in the American fire service. Naturally, generational differences is one of the most heavily discussed topics in recent years, as fire service leaders and followers alike seek information and tools for how to best interact with each other as a cohesive unit. The FireRescue1 Generational Differences resource page offers a variety of news, podcasts and expert analysis that can help older generations learn how best to communicate with tech-savvy younger members, while also helping the young members learn how to share newer technologies or tactics with confidence. Don’t miss these highlights: Are millennials really the problem?; Managing ‘OK boomer’ at the fire station; and How to deal with an 8-second attention span.

There is no substitute for high-context communications and training that occurs between two people, engaging privately, face-to-face
Skip the corporate exercise and focus on your bread and butter
The IPSDI CEO argues that labeling firefighters by arbitrary birth years is unfair, too convenient and shortchanges the conversation around individuality
Recognizing the differences among the many generations in the fire service can help identify skills and talents to improve team dynamics
Detailing the factors that create division between upper and lower management – and how we can learn to balance diverse perspectives and competing priorities
The Salisbury (N.C.) division chief shares the origins of his training focus, his personal evolution on the job, and what it means to be “combat ready”
Dispelling generational myths and clarifying the root of workforce personnel differences
Managing generational differences is difficult, but there are ways to bring a group together to function as a team
The retired FDNY battalion chief underscores that while being into the job is great, finding balance in your life ultimately makes you a better firefighter
Getting inside the teenage brain to engage new recruits
Four common retention pitfalls, plus simple solutions for improving department culture and keeping firefighters happy
No matter generation or leadership style, everyone brings something unique to the table
Embrace them and thank them, then get on the ball and teach them
When dealing with the public, too many members either clam up and say nothing or say way too much beyond the scope of what’s appropriate
Follow simple steps to build connections between fire service leaders and the newest generation of firefighters