In this episode of Tech Talk Tuesday, the conversation centered on the importance of engaging fire chiefs and city management in building strong relationships and collaboration to advance fire service goals. The discussion highlighted the value of getting city leaders out of their offices to experience fire operations firsthand, the critical role of the kitchen table in building camaraderie and trust, and the challenges of implementing new technologies in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The team emphasized the need for open communication, thoughtful change management, and data-driven decision-making to secure buy-in from both fire department personnel and city executives. We also shared insights on how vendors can build better relationships with departments and effectively support change, while celebrating wins and fostering a culture of innovation.
Key takeaways
🔥 Building Relationships with City Management: Fire chiefs should proactively invite city managers and executives to the fire station, involve them in operations, and provide context for challenges and solutions. This helps establish trust and mutual understanding.
📊 Data-Driven Decision Making: When pitching technology or operational changes, it’s essential to present solid data and a comprehensive understanding of the problem and its impact to gain approval and funding.
💡 Effective Change Management: Implementing new technology requires early involvement of key stakeholders, a readiness plan, proper training, and clear communication strategies to ensure successful adoption and avoid resistance from staff.
🤝 Vendors and Collaboration: Vendors must prioritize relationship-building over sales pitches, engage directly with fire service personnel, understand their real challenges, and provide ongoing support during and after technology implementation.
Watch the previous episode here:
