I have been fortunate to work with a number of Fire Officers, from every rank and in many different departments. It's been privilege and honor to train new officers, in a variety of ranks and disciplines. I count it a privilege, because it gave us a chance to share, learn and gain insight into the many components of Command. The prevailing question on their minds has always been;
"How do you know, when you know?
These Six "C's" of Fire Officer Trust (Commitment, Competence, Confidence, Communication, Courtesy, Courage), can follow in the order that I have given them; or may follow what best suits you and your situation; save the last... COURAGE.
The First "C" is Commitment:
It's all about commitments...yes, there is more than one of them. It begins with a true commitment to yourself. Wanting to be the best that you can be, through preparation. Then there's the commitment to your families. Making sure that the trust they have placed in you, while you would spend time away from them, was not in vain. No one forced you to select this career. You honor their faith in you, by committing to be and do your best. Then there's the commitment to your agency or organization. Whatever type of organization it is volunteer or career, you must be committed to give them one thousand percent of your efforts, required time and resources. You must be committed to conforming to the rules, regulations and policies of that agency or department. You must be committed to taking care of the equipment that has been placed in your charge; the personnel that you will supervise; your cohorts and colleagues that you will be working with; and you must be also committed to your superiors. You must be committed to the vision, mission and goals of the organization. Then you must make a conscious effort to be committed to the citizens that your organization serves; to be professional at all times; and to provide the best possible service you and your organization can deliver.
The Second "C" is Competence
When we speak of COMPETENCE, what we are saying is to continue to learn and grow in your organization. Learn the inner and outer workings of it. Learn and work with other agencies that may interact or support your organization. Learn and master your policies and procedures. Take courses that will increase your knowledge-base. Seek out opportunities and events that will allow you to share and network with others in your profession. Others who may know a better way of doing things and sometimes do not share your same ideas or views. Stay current. Read the trade publications. Search the Internet, attend trade shows and training seminars. Expand your awareness of industry trends and evolving technologies that may assist you in the effective management of your responsibilities. You must master the tactics and tools, strategies and rules of your organization. " Know them cold!"
...and READ, READ, READ, READ,,, READ!!!!!!!!
The Third "C" is Confidence
With your commitments identified and your competence improving through, reading, study and expanding your knowledge base; we can focus on the Third "C", which will actually come automatically: CONFIDENCE. Confidence comes when you know who you are and where you are in the table of organization. It comes when you know what your function and purpose are. Confidence comes from knowing. Knowing what your responsibilities are. Knowing who you are responsible to and for. Knowing the length and breath of your authority or purview. Knowing the depth of your commitments.
When confidence comes, it gives you what we call, "Command Presence." This is not to be confused with Ego or evolve into Arrogance. There is a decided difference between the two. Confidence does not have to be boastful or egotistical. Confidence can and should be quiet assurance of what is right, fair and appropriate.
The Fourth "C" is Communication
The Fourth "C" is one of the most pivotal: COMMUNICATION. Effective and appropriate communication is critical, at all times and at all levels, in our profession. Where do we begin?
In our offices and fire stations: both written, visual and other nonverbal communication effect our day-to-day operations. On the fire-ground or the scene of an emergency vital communication by radio, mobile phone, material safety data sheets, preplanned guidelines and computer data terminal all require effective communication. It is so important, when managing people and emergencies, to effectively convey thoughts, orders and concerns. Communication is the bedrock of how we get things done. It's so important, however, many times it is overlooked in its significance. Making sure that we communicate effectively is Job One. The great thing about communication is that it can be improved upon. The study and practical application of conveying messages must be learned and practiced. The only component we do not have control over and that is necessary for all effective communication is FEEDBACK. Feedback comes from listening. Communication is considered, by many, to be a two-way process but I think often it is a three-way process. We send a message to a receiver. We have the sender, the message and the receiver. We must be clear with our messages. We must be effective with our communication style. More importantly, we must listen for confirmation and/or questions regarding the message. We have to be mindful of our delivery system. We have to be aware of our surroundings, interference, noise, static and/or perception. We must study communication and practice communication. We must seek opportunities to determine if our message was transmitted correctly. We must also be patient when we are listening. Hearing is the physical act of receiving the sound. Listening is interpretation and processing. There is a difference (ask any married person).
To attain Fire Officer Trust, we must be just as good a listener as we are a communicator. Seek to hear, before you are heard!
The Fifth "C" is Courtesy
On September 13, 1981, my dear mother left this earth. Couple that date with the 11th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks, it was a pretty rough week. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her or think of the friends I lost 11 years ago. Through it all, I remember what she taught me and I honor them by exercising it: COURTESY.
She had simple rules: Keep your hands to yourself; Share and share alike; If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, don't say anything at all; and if you have the ability to help someone, anyone, you help them.
That's what we do in our business. We help people. They call us. We show up and we fix things. If we can't, we get someone there who can and we don't leave them until they do. Be Courteous at all times! It makes a difference. Our profession, in some places, is getting a bad name, undeservedly so and in some cases we earned the bad "Rep" from the actions and attitudes of some of our own. Be professional. It costs you nothing and reaps immeasurable dividends.
The Sixth "C" is Courage
Change the things you can. Accept the things you can't but have the COURAGE to try! Courage is not only needed on the field of engagement. It is needed in the decision making of our organizations. We have to have the courage to change our culture, ourselves and our thinking, when it is needed. I have witnessed some heroic and courageous acts and decisions on the fire ground, to save lives, that still impress me to this day. Yet, I also witness day in and day out officers who lack the courage to insist that their members wear seat-belts. Courage is needed, sometimes, when we have to admit we were wrong or that we failed to meet our objective. The "Cowboy-way" is not always the courageous way.
In Conclusion:
You don't have to agree. I know these things work. Try all of them. I hope. Try one. It can't hurt.
The answer to the question, "How do you know, when you know?; You will know when your peers and community respond to you in such a way that you know they trust you. Until then, keep striving!
Copyright 2012 John Alston. All rights reserved.
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