From Being Commanded to the Commander – Part 3
Written by Paul on May 8th, 2008
A firefighter who promotes crosses over from one frame of mind to another. As a firefighter, an individual’s mindset might revolve around fair compensation, benefits, the job, belonging to a group, and self satisfaction. As an officer, one of your highest priorities is to carry out the mission of the organization. This is not to say that an officer should not be concerned for the welfare of his/her crew. Crew welfare is always a part of the leadership equation. It does indicate that as a company officer, you must direct your actions and activities to meet the requirements of the position.
There will and should be pressure and hopefully assistance from your boss to make sure that your job requirements are met. This pressure has a tendency to make the new officer a little nervous and uncomfortable. This does not need to be so. Consider yourself as the ‘linking pin’ between the department management team and your crew. It’s an exciting and challenging time in your career.
Here are some hints to help you get your boss and your team on your side.
- Never forget where you came from
- Don’t throw your weight around
- Be humble
- Admit you need help and seek it from other supervisors and your boss
- Make a practice of getting to the station early; get ready for the workday by checking your gear, especially your safety equipment, and planning activities. Work a full day. Firefighters despise officers who push for crew activity but who goof off themselves
- Maintain physical fitness. Set the example
- Stay mentally alert. This will help you nip problems in the bud
- Listen to your team members
- Be professional
- Be nice
- Have the courage to do what is right, remember fair, firm, and friendly
Now let’s take a look at some necessary personal characteristics in order to be a successful leader. Remember, the job of an officer/supervisor is highly demanding. It is important to build a cohesive team, demonstrate strong integrity and credibility in your dealings with your team, supervisor, and peers. You also need to be open-minded and flexible.
It has often been said that the first line supervisor’s position is the most important position in the department. This is because the first line supervisor is responsible for getting the organization’s work done. He/she controls the boots in the street and has the most impact and influence on the customer. The first line supervisor holds the power to turn on-or-off productivity. He/she maintains the crucial interface between the department management team and the company members who actually do the work.
The following is a short list of personal characteristics that will lead to success for the fire officer:
- Energy and good health
- The social skills to get along with people
- Job knowledge and technical competence
- Self-control under pressure
- Dedication, dependability, and perseverance
- High self-esteem and a positive outlook toward the job and others
- Teachability
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Creativity
- Independence
- Be open minded
One more thought. Be a life long learner. You need to read. It’s a fact that supervisors who read usually not only succeed in their current position but achieve future promotions as well. Read widely. Along with all the fire service publications there are many books that will help you maintain and/or improve your leadership skills. Like Vince Lombardi said. “If you are not getting better, you are getting worse.”
Summary:
Never forget that the first line fire officer/supervisor has an extremely important role in the department. You are essential to the success of the organization. In order for you to be effective in the position, you need to bring to the table a wide range of personal qualities and competencies. One of these qualities is to be a hands-on leader. Get involved with your team members when getting the organization’s work completed. Be a role model by maintaining high morale and being self-motivated.
The first line supervisor must simultaneously respond to what’s in the best interest of the department and your crew. The most crucial function that a first line supervisor performs is to be the linkage, or interface between the departments’ goals, plans, and policies and the team members who actually perform the department’s work. You need to have a concern for both productivity and your crew. Be careful not to be overzealous in either pushing your team members too hard for productivity or being overly protective of them. The most effective first line supervisor strikes a balance between the concern for the work and a concern for those who do the work.
