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The Comprehensive Feedback model of evaluating employees is a proven way to outline expectations and monitor progress throughout the year. It provides an open dialogue between raters and members while detailing a clear path to achieve professional success in the workplace....

Reminding ourselves of the importance of family in the fire service Somewhere around the equivalent of the 30th floor during our local 9/11 memorial stair climb, the burning sensation in my legs was replaced with the thought—you go…we go! I know you are picturing that climatic...

The Size-Up or Situation Report (Sit-Rep) is designed to be clear, concise and brief. It paints the picture of the emergency scene for dispatchers and responding companies. Almost as important as what we say during our Size-Up is how we say it. It is imperative that we are calm...

TIP # 1: Identify and set-up shop in your team’s strengths and passions  It’s easy to lose focus of what we enjoy doing when we are drowning in administrative responsibilities, and/or dealing with difficult people on the job, especially when you go months or longer between...

“Audacity, more audacity, always audacity!” -Georges Jacques Danton, French Revolutionary Leader The term “Audacity” often gets cast in a negative light. It can be used to describe someone who offends or irritates. It is shocking and widely unappreciated by many. Without a doubt,...

Facing your biggest critic: “I have really come to hate this guy” As I watched the truckies cut on the car and work with the engine to lift the unconscious body onto the waiting stretcher, I couldn’t help but take the situation in. A single vehicle over the interstate guardrail...

The Whole Person Concept is a developmental tool that fire service leaders can use to push firefighters to succeed in life on the job, at home and in the community.  The lives of our firefighters don’t suddenly end when they complete a tour and head home.  They have family...

In a previous article, we discussed communication’s training (or lack thereof) and how it translates from day one instructions to a probie, all the way up to a battalion chief sounding like a goof on the radio. We’ve all heard the radio reports that make you cringe,...

I’m not a bad fire service leader…am I? Unfortunately, much of what’s written about leadership paints it as a neat and tidy skill set. That if you follow a simple algorithm or read a leadership blog, you’ll reach your objective 100% of the time. In...

How to Get the Most Out of Firefighter Lectures, Classroom Training, and Seminars If you’re like me, you’ve attended many firefighter lectures, classroom training’s, and seminars. I’ve had the privilege of training with many of the great leaders in the...