How to Effectively Implement Change in Your Fire Department

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Whether you are a rookie, chief or anywhere in between, you likely have some great ideas that can enhance the service of your department.

Suppose you could be the one to exercise leadership and get this done to shape the futures of your department and your community. Suppose you are the person who could “get the ball rolling,” who could “sell” your vision to your supervisor, fire chief or mayor. Suppose you are the person who could build employees’ confidence and effectively manage change. 

So just what is involved in shaping the future of your department and your community? 

The National Fire Academy’s “Shaping the Future” program and Waldorf University’s degree programs in fire science prepare students to do just that. Some initiatives include:    

• Encouraging creative thinking to find hidden solutions
• Focusing on continuous improvements
• Identifying trends that impact or can impact our organization
• Justifying our recommendations
• Quantifying problems and solutions
• Strategically implementing change
• Understanding the change concept and being a change agent
• Using group problem-solving methods 

Identifying trends

Some trends may currently affect our organization, and some may not have an affect yet. These could include diversity and inclusion, changing economics, increased community risk reduction, etc.

Continuous improvement

Several factors can hinder improvement, including success. If one achieves a successful outcome, complacency after that project may lead to mediocrity. Regardless of your successes or failures, improvement must be constant.

Justifying recommendations

Once we make the decision to voice our suggestion or recommendation, we have to convince the decision-makers. Consider not only the immediate benefits, but the future benefits as well. 

Being a change agent

Being a change agent means recognizing the need for change and being willing to make it. Change often invades a comfort zone. Being a change agent understands that change may be uncomfortable for some, and helping them through the process. 

Working strategically

We plan to succeed. We are prepared for resistance. We learn from our failures. We learn from our successes and we learn from the success of others. We recognize and use our resources. Often, our resources are sitting right next to us. We acknowledge contributions and support. And we give thanks.

Working proactively

Working reactively usually means damage or hurt has occurred. Get ahead of the damage by taking the initiative.