What you can stop doing right now to promote a positive environment in your Fire Department.
Negativity in any area of our lives is contagious, especially in the Fire Service. Many of us get discouraged in our fire departments when negativity is running rampant. It is so easy for us to get sucked into the ever popular craze of complaining and sobbing about what is or isn’t happening in our organization. Many times it can feel like Middle School all over again.
What are some of the root causes to negativity in our fire departments? Well, there are a lot of different things we could be looking at. Maybe it has been slow and we haven’t been to many fires lately. Or, a new General Order was placed down on us that we don’t all seem to agree with. Perhaps we presented an idea that was overlooked by the leadership.
Those examples are out of our control. There is nothing we can do directly to change those situations. So, what can we focus on that we do have control over? The answer is quite simple. YOU! The only thing we really have total control over is ourselves. It is time we start to work on our own outlook on things, our own actions, our own views and comments to change the negative energy in our fire department to positive energy.
I have put together a list of things that we should each stop doing immediately to cultivate a positive environment for not only our fire department but for ourselves. If we can’t make ourselves happy and at peace, how can we do that for our fellow firefighters?
- Stop participating in gossip. If you’re around someone who is talking about other members, creating or spreading rumors or bad-talking the leadership, walk away. Let it be known that you do not want to be a part of the conversation. Try changing the topic to a more productive or positive subject matter. Gossip and rumors among the fire service are extremely prevalent. By taking ourselves out of those situations, one at a time we could reduce it greatly.
- Stop following the crowd. When you hear complaining, gossip or negative talk around your fire department it can be tempting to jump right in and agree with what is being said. Again, negativity is contagious. Instead, start learning how to develop your own opinion about issues. Take a step back and look at the bigger picture, the other side of the issue. By creating your own views you are building upon your personal discipline to see a clearer picture on issues that arise.
- Stop making assumptions. It is easier to assume something rather than seek out the truth. For example, you can assume an idea you have won’t be well received among the leadership instead of actually making the effort to present it. It’s easy to say “They won’t like it. They never want to try new things”. This type of thought process will quickly spread among other members, creating a negative environment. Eliminate any assumptions by seeking actuality through communication and action.
- Stop blaming others. It is time we all start taking ownership of mistakes. In the fire service, we all work as a team. When a mistake is made, the responsibility is on everyone. The higher you are in the command structure, the more you should be taking ownership when a mistake is made. Quit the excuses, nobody cares. Don’t bring someone else down to save your own face. If you want to lead or if you want your department to be without drama and negativity, start taking ownership and stop blaming others.
- Stop with your personal agendas. Be a part of something greater than yourself. We are all a team and we all must have a common mission and end goal. This goes along with staying in step with the rest of the membership. Your personal agendas are just that, personal. You can focus on your own goals without contradicting the direction your agency is going. The membership as a whole wants direction and consistency. Without that, negative energy will brew because everyone will want to push for their own visions.
- Stop thinking you’re so great. We are all in this for the same thing. We all have value to provide. That value is unique for every member, but none is better than the other. The membership as a whole doesn’t care what you have for certifications. What everyone does care about is how you use those certifications to provide value for EVERYBODY on the fire department. Be humble and be human.
- Stop thinking you are always right. Although you may be well educated and experienced, it is time to realize that you, and the rest of us are not always right. In a debate about a tactic or a move that was made on the fire ground, listen to the other side. Close your mouth and pay attention to what other people are explaining. Come to a common conclusion that there is more than one way to perform most functions.
- Stop sitting around. Make yourself busy. Find projects to do. When we hit a slow spell and aren’t responding to many calls, tensions rise and negativity grows. If you step up and focus your energy on creating something great or training other members a skill you know, others will follow in your foot steps.
These are just a few things we can all stop doing to create a more positive environment for our members. We are in a tough time right now where recruitment and retention is critical for success in your agency. If we aren’t fostering an environment that people actually want to be a part of, we will be getting nowhere. It starts with you and with us as a team.
