One of the most misunderstood applications of promotions is what will be required of the individual. Moving from one position to another within the fire service is a daunting task. It is not easily accomplished and will require sacrifice. Leadership is a constant hard fought battle that will require all of the individual’s abilities, a lot of time and effort, forward thinking, dedication, sleepless nights, stress, mistakes, gains, sacrifice, pride, intestinal fortitude and taking responsibility. Whether the fire officer wants to admit it or not, they are now the “BOSS”, and with it comes a new mindset, abilities and the ability to avoid making critical mistakes that will affect their ability to motivate, lead and change their organization and the fire service.
This presentation will identify how the practice of leadership is not easy, nor can it be frowned upon as it has its place in each organization, when leadership is not exuded, the climate, productivity and charisma of an organization remains consistent to what has become the norm. Just as the practice of leadership is not easy, finding the most appropriate way to influence personnel is just as complicated, as there are the set leadership characteristics of those in power, and the characteristics and traits of those within the organization. Some situations require a mixture of uses, blending of traits, or all out full approach of one dominate style, no one style is the cookie cutter approach that fixes all. The default state of those in charge, those who are assigned below and how to motivate, communicate, influence and change deeply held beliefs all are factors when exercising leadership within the fire service, which does not include the own self deployed minefield the leader has to face.
There are common leadership traits practiced by those who have successfully charted change, influence and cohesion within their organizations. These traits can help us as leaders establish our best practices, identify what will establish credibility with our subordinates and prevent leadership failures due to bad practices. Successful leadership traits have been shared from the military to the private sector from many former military commanders and upon the philosophy of organizational leadership. These traits that are discussed deal with ethics and moral issues of the leader, caring and developing subordinates, approach and tact during communications. This is important for the leader to engage and maintain the workforce to facilitate the necessary steps required for the agency.
Leadership to simplify many definitions; is the process of influence, in which a person enlists assistance and support of others for the accomplishment of a common task or goal. Leadership does not necessarily have to originate from the hierarchical top position, although most assume that is how change within an organization occurs. Company officers, senior firefighters and even the younger firefighters all have an opportunity to practice leadership.
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