Leading across the generational spectrum

With five generations currently serving in the fire service, new officers find themselves facing a unique supervisory challenge of learning how to lead diverse groups with different learning and leadership styles. This challenge is amplified when less experienced members are placed in supervisory roles, managing older or more experienced members.

This series reviews how new officers can effectively manage the “buddy-to-boss” transition, tips for new officers leading teams through crisis, and how to adapt learning and leadership styles to connect with all members.

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Walking the tightrope: Multi-generation management without driving away volunteers

Successful volunteer firefighter supervision is rooted in clear expectations, decisions rooted in policy, and interpersonal relationships

Are you prepared to lead modern fire crews?

Traditional methods of supervision are evolving to align with the needs of firefighters of all ages
‘I now lead as myself’: What it’s like to be a female captain supervising an all-male crew

Finding a supervisory style rooted in authenticity creates an environment of trust and common ground
Bridge the gap: Leading multi-generation crews while recognizing individuality

Officers must acknowledge generational differences and develop common goals for team members

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The supervisor’s dilemma: How to balance 2 important needs
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Supervisors want to be understanding of their employees’ concerns, but there is always work to be done and goals to be met
Book excerpt: ‘Ultimate Coaching: Skills for Developing a Highly Engaged Workforce’
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Learning to coach yourself and create habits for success are critical early steps so you can better manage your members
7 ways to develop future fire service leaders across the generational chasm
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Facing the reality of diverging leadership styles – and evolving your leadership style with the times
Shift in perspective: From churning out tasks to developing quality members
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Why supervisors should consider replacing a micromanagement-focused structure to one based in helping members thrive
Some of our firefighters are missing the mark – a lot!
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Chief Goldfeder weighs in on how to deal with underperforming firefighters who can cramp the style of the entire crew
‘Active supervision’: 10 ways fire service leaders can best manage their members
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Real-world examples highlight the simple ways supervisors can enforce fire department policies
Practical applications of generational differences among fire service members
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Implementing supervision-focused best practices requires leaders to address their members’ different worldviews, work ethics and perspectives
Podcast: Fire Chief Trisha Wolford explores how best to supervise members regardless of age or experience
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The Anne Arundel County chief considers whether stereotypes of generations hold true or whether they are used as a crutch for poor leadership
Quiz: How well do you know the newest firefighting generation?
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While many fire service leaders still consider millennials to be the latest department newbies, it’s those in Generation Z that are peak-rookie age
Self-study plan: Develop your cross-generation supervision skill sets
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Resources, exercises and discussion points to enhance your leadership style and management skills
Q&A: Leading across generations: How fire chiefs can connect with their entire membership
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Chief Trisha Wolford tackles differences between learning styles, deference to authority and why millennials get a bad rap