No Exceptions Leadership

Latest Episodes:

Preparing for the Fight Feb 29, 2016

Show notes

Captain and Lead Instructor from Engine House Training, LLC, Steve Heidbreder talks about how to prepare for the fight when coming on duty for walking into the engine house as volunteer.

The Sniper Effect Feb 29, 2016

Show notes

This podcast discusses how difficult it can be work and exist in an environment of people that aren't like-minded. Many of us want to include others in our enthusiasm and pride for our job, and it is not easy to do that.

We have to be realistic in how we gather support and conversion, if you will, of others that not only are like-minded; those are the easy converts. But, rather the conversion of those that are on the fence or non-committal either way.

If we work real hard, are patient and understand the dynamics involved, we can bring along those that were adversarial.

Pick them off one at a time like a sniper. Don't try to move the whole group or change the entire organization at once. One at a time works, but still takes time, but it works.

Over Coming Challenges of Limited Water Areas Feb 02, 2016

Show notes

This episode we discuss some items to consider when handling limited or no water area incidents. You have to know where these are in your response area and have a plan to over-come the problem. Each has the potential for being a challenge, but this can be easily conquered by preplanning and training.

Be familiar with the capabilities of your equipment and the availability of mutual aid. Review not only your response area but also the area you respond mutual aid to.

Do you practice setting-up draft sites, fill sites, and how to efficiently move water in a limited water setting? These can be make-or-break skills when establishing water supply in a rural setting.

These areas and more will be discussed during the Podcast.

Four Principles for Success Jan 14, 2016

Show notes

In this episode we discuss four principles that will help the fire officer, or individual in any walk of life be successful and provides guidance in being effective.

Be generous

Be constructive

Be productive

Be aggressive

I am also attaching a link to the video and the Powerpoint that was used for the webinar that this podcast was created for.

Webinar Video

Powerpoint Program File

EHT Service and Misc Calls--Podcast Jan 07, 2016

Show notes

This episode we discuss some items to consider when dealing with service and misc. calls. It's important that we don't take these incidents lightly. Each call has the potential for being a challenge, not matter how it is dispatched or what you think it might be.

For CO calls follow your guidelines for calling out service personnel to double check readings or lack of readings. We have a threshold that requires a call to the gas company for any CO reading of over 10PPM. However, most will call out the gas company for any readings, just to eliminate any margin of error.

We also take advantage of any service call or misc. call by checking and ensuring operation of the smoke detectors and batteries. This has been a great PR technique for us and gets us in the entire house for familiarization.

Additionally, don't dress down for these "check the buildings" calls and other seemingly benign calls. As you will hear in the show, you never know what you're going to pull up on--so be ready and prepared.

Don't talk lightly these calls and expect the unexpected.

Set Specific Goals and Objectives Jan 02, 2016

Show notes

This episode discusses the importance of setting very specific goals and objectives. Being specific allows us to create a realistic and attainable plan to achieve our goals.

We need to set bench marks and a written record of our progress, successes and set backs. Below is an example of some specific goals and objectives for a fire officer. Some of the objectives could be more specific. Can you pick them out and see where more specific details could be added?

Be sure to be realistic, dreaming and reaching high is very different from fair tales.

Goals

Short-term:

1) Obtain rank of Lieutenant 2) Motivate, lead, and train new and tenured crew members once promoted

Long-term:

1) Obtain rank of Captain 2) Obtain masters degree in Emergency Services Management

Objectives

Obtain Rank of Lieutenant:

-Personal study and training (daily) to improve my KSA’s -Take leadership/company officer training classes -Find current company officer to mentor me for the purpose of becoming a company officer -Participate in next promotional process

Motivate, lead, train crew members:

-Lead by positive example of respect and encouragement -Assess where deficiencies are in my crew’s KSA’s -Develop and implement specific training to improve my crew’s KSA’s and tactical proficiency

Obtain Rank of Captain: -Obtain rank of lieutenant first -Obtain Fire Officer II certification -Continue to take leadership/company officer training classes -Participate in captain’s promotional process

Obtain Master’s Degree:

-Obtain rank of lieutenant first, for purpose of full District tuition reimbursement -Narrow down and select university -Complete program within 2 years of starting

EHT Mayday Basics Jan 02, 2016

Show notes

This is a short podcast discussing some basics of calling the Mayday. In this episode we discuss the shift from using LUNAR to the three W's.

Who are you?
What happened to you?
Where are you?

With those three questions, as a firefighter we can provide pertinent information and not have to try to remember a long acronym.

We also discuss the importance of radio discipline and keeping units and companies that were operating when the Mayday was called to stay on the tactical channel. This allows crews operating on the scene to hear and know the Mayday is called and to maybe effect the rescue of the downed firefighter well before a RIT is deployed.

Of course this is dependent on several factors and your SOG's.

Command needs to be controlling the scene and getting extra help early during a Mayday. It is the responsibility of the IC to ask additional questions of the downed firefighter and to start adding additional division supervisors to direct operations to assist in reducing radio traffic.

Here are some links to recent events that involved Maydays FDIC 2016

FDIC 2016 Firefighter Bailout Video

Virginia Firefighter Bailout after Flashover

Milwaukee Bailout at Apartment Fire

Firefighter Bails Out in China

Hamilton, OH Mayday Audio

Leadership--Glass Half Full? Dec 16, 2015

Show notes

In this episode we discuss the motivation of looking at the proverbial glass being half empty as opposed to the glass being half full.

Motivation comes from different places, but looking at the glass half full can lead to complacency and if convinced that half full is okay, the water left will slowly evaporate over time and before we know it the glass is dry.

Looking at the glass being half empty can push us to fill it and have a full glass. Use it as a motivator to keep it above half full.

Company Planning at Buildings Dec 15, 2015

Show notes

Weekly Company Drill

Building Familiarization

This drill is a size up and familiarization drill. It can be broken up into several parts and get as much information gathered as possible.

The objective of this drill is to identify specific hose length stretches for large complexes or buildings that may test the ability of your typical 150' or 200' pre-connect hose line. Share your information with the other companies.

Instructions

Gather some utility or search rope. We use three, 100 foot sections of 9mm search rope in a bag. Park where you would normally park if there were an incident. Tie off at the truck and stretch to the most remote area you can access. We tie off knots every 25 feet to help us figure out how far we are. Document distances going up stairs, over hand rails, special considerations, etc. Stretch to the back simulating a large blitz line.

Special Considerations

Access issues for apparatus
Water supply location and challenges
Forcible Entry
Floor plan challenges
Rear and remote access points
Utilities
Friction loss and flow rates
Ventilation considerations
Occupancy type and demographics
First due resources
Construction type and associated challenges
Proficiency with deployment of dead or static loads
Get the permission of the property owner

Special note: If we cannot get into an apartment, we take the distance to the front door of the apartment and then measure the full length of the apartment from the exterior, approximating the interior stretch.

Leadership Leading UP--Core Values Dec 09, 2015

Show notes

This episode we discuss the importance of core values when creating your mission plan for progressing and improvement.

The core values are our cornerstone about what we are about and who we are. They are not negotiable.

Below is an example of some core values.

Core Values

Professionalism: In and out of the firehouse, on and off-duty

Respect: For each other and for our public

Excellence: Providing the highest level of Fire/Rescue/EMS to the public.

Safety is Paramount: Everyone goes home.

Problem solving: Define the problems that immediately confront my profession and my crew---create and implement solutions.

Positive Attitude: My attitude towards work, training, and other members will be infectious to coworkers. Ethical Behavior: I will do the right thing at all times, honoring the great responsibility to our citizens.

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