Integrity Over Popularity
In volunteer fire departments, leadership often walks a thin line between camaraderie and command. It’s easy for a Fire Chief in a close-knit department to fall into the trap of seeking approval from their members. This can be an easy trap, especially since we are mostly made up of close friends, family and neighbors. But when a Fire Chief becomes more concerned with being liked than doing what is right and fair, the members of the department will ultimately pay the price.
Leadership should not be a popularity contest. The Fire Chiefs primary responsibility is to ensure safety, uphold standard and procedures and maintain true accountability. When decisions are based on what will appease the majority rather than what is ethical, necessary or with department policy, the discipline will erode, favoritism will creep in and morale among the truly dedicated will suffer.
A respected Fire Chief earns the trust of his members by not bending the rules, avoiding tough conversation or discipline measures but by being consistent, fair and transparent, even it when it becomes very uncomfortable. This will mean addressing issues, poor or lack of performance, making merit-based decisions and by standing by values even when those actions are unpopular.
Volunteer firefighters give their time and energy out of a sense of selflessness and to serve their community. Each deserves a leader who leads with integrity, not insecurity. When Fire Chiefs focus on doing what’s right rather than what is easy, they build a department that not only functions more efficiently but earns the lasting respect of its members and the community.
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