Fire Fighter New Boss Part 2

Congrats You Are The New Boss— Now What

Part 2

Last month I identified some of the challenges new bosses have to deal and I discussed some of the issues I had as a new and very young Captain. Now I would like to continue with this topic and discuss how important it is for the new supervisor to be aware of and abide by the departments policies and procedures. I will also discuss professional behavior past and future.

I’ll bet that most of you studied your department’s policy and procedure (PP) or standard operating guideline (SOG) manual prior to the exam process. As a supervisor it is necessary to align your activities with the SOG’s. Remember, these guidelines set expectations of standard behavior and guide the department members in their efforts to provide organizational control and quality customer service. SOG’s enforce a more structured organization, and helps to make the organization more professional. Also, having written guidelines reduces freelancing and encourages members to behave in a rewarding manner.

I recall when I was a Battalion Chief, every once a while a Captain (not familiar with my MO) would call me and ask if his crew could conduct an activity he was concerned about doing (if you know what I mean). I would reply “You are the person in charge. I’m not going to tell you what you should do or not do. I suggest that you review the SOG’s and read the department’s mission statement, goals and objectives. If what you want to do is in line with them go forward, if not you should rethink what you want to do.” I would also remind the officer that we are expected to observe a standard of conduct which will not reflect discredit on themselves and the department. You and your team are charged to conduct their duties in a manner to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the department.

During my tenure as a Battalion Chief, I was “not aware” of any Captain that because of his action discredited the department. You notice that I highlighted “not aware of.”

Let’s move on to the professional behavior past and future. We all are aware of the premise that success as a supervisor depends on conducting ourselves in a professional manner at all times with everyone you come in contact with while on duty. Your success depends on your ability to project and maintain a professional image that is backed up by competence, confidence, and commitment.

The next several paragraphs contain information that I have learned over the years. Unfortunately, it took me several years after becoming a supervisor to adhere to the advice below. One contributing factor to my lack of success as a new supervisor is that I was a product of my environment. As a young firefighter my Captains were part of or influenced by members of what Tom Brokaw coined “the greatest generation.” They were people who grew up during the deprivation of The Great Depression and then went to fight in World War II. They were proud, loyal, frugal, and demanding. When they said “jump” you said “how high.” It was their way or the highway. You wouldn’t thinking about asking “why” when they gave direction or an order. Also, you would never think about sitting in the Captain’s chair or going into the Battalion Chiefs office unless you were cleaning or heaven forbid told to go to their offices. At that time the fire department was definitely a paramilitary organization.

Well, that was the attitude and behavior I assumed when I got promoted. It worked fine for a while and then that supervisory style didn’t work any longer. No one was happy to work for a dictating autocrat who was still wet under the ears. I was dogmatic as hell and realized my success as a supervisor needed a new supervisory style.

I attended several training sessions on effective supervision. That is where I met two of my mentors. Chiefs Alan Brunacini and Ronny J. Coleman. They took me under their wings and shared with me the way to become an effective and well respected leader. Here are some of the concepts they taught me:

Your behavior toward your team members directly affects their performance, productivity, morale, and loyalty. Supervisors that are respected by their team members are able to get the best performance from their crew and achieve the best results.

Your behavior toward other officers directly affects your effectiveness, the success of your department, and your future in the organization. Supervisors who get along with colleagues and are admired by their peers have the best opportunity for recognition and advancement

It is important to remember your behavior toward your boss and others in top management affects your career and your opportunities in the department. Supervisors who project a professional image are generally those who succeed and move up in management.

And lastly, behavior toward customers and others outside the organization is also important. To these people you represent the organization. If they have confidence in you and respect for your professionalism, they will maintain a positive relationship with the organization.

Stay Safe

VIVI BENE- LIVE WELL

RIDI SPESSO- LAUGH OFTEN

E AMA MOLTO- LOVE MUCH