The ‘Umpires’ of the Fire Service

Learning is a lifelong venture, and there are endless wells from which we can draw. Recently, I noticed numerous correlations between my life as a chief officer and my second job as a softball umpire. From slowing down and seeing the big picture, to shutting out the distractions and getting the call right the first time, there are things that leaders and umpires must do to ensure that the daily operations or the game move along smoothly.

Dress and appearance set the tone

Nothing sets the tone like the first impression, so umpires step out with shoes shined, shirt tucked and equipment ready to go. Looking professional not only helps others to take them seriously, but it lends an air of professionalism when they must make a difficult call and that they got it right.

Fire service leaders should arrive and set the tone in the same fashion. Not only do they set the standard that they want their personnel to follow, but they also set the professional tone for everything that they plan to do that day.

Keep the bases clean

Keeping the bases clean helps umpires to see the play cleanly.

Fire service leaders should start their day with a clean work space, and before they leave, they should tidy up. Just like the bases on the ballfield, fire service leaders’ work space will get dirty, but they must dedicate time to the small stuff.

When chief officers have someone in for a formal talk, they must make sure that their space exudes their professional demeanor. It’s difficult for members to take a stern talking to seriously when their boss is staring at them over unfinished work, coffee cups and other junk.

See the whole picture to make the call

Umpires are taught to have the four elements visible to make the call: the runner, the fielder, the base and the ball.

When fire service leaders make personnel decisions, they must take the time to see all sides and to have all of the information in front of them to make the right call the first time. Before they speak to personnel or offer an opinion, they must be grounded in the facts. External influences and pressures can push leaders to a decision that they might not normally make, but they must slow down the process and see it from every angle before they address it.

Ask for help

Believe it or not, umpires do ask for help. Sometimes, the field umpire misses the pulled foot on a play at first, but the plate umpire sees it: They come together to discuss it and get the right call.

Fire service leaders won’t make the right call all of the time. Also, many leaders might believe that they have the right answers and are in their position to make the correct choice. However, true leaders take the time to reach out and ask for help. Getting the input of others isn’t a weakness; it truly is a strength.

Shut off the outside noise

Nothing is worse for umpires when they are calling a ballgame than to have someone in the stands right behind them commenting on every call. The trouble comes when umpires let that get to them. They might miss a call or, worse, let a fan influence them into calling something that they know better than to do.

The same is true for fire service leaders. They always will have people chattering at them about a myriad of things. They must let in only what’s relevant and shut out the rest. Leaders can’t let personal bias sway their decisions. They must remain neutral and put what is best for the many ahead of the needs of a few.

Seek constructive criticism

Umpires go through numerous schools and clinics to get better. Even at tournaments, they might be evaluated by the umpire-in-charge, and they must be open and receptive to criticism.

Fire service leaders like to believe that they are good at what they do. Although this might be true for some things, there always are areas that they don’t see. Seeking out evaluation from peers not only helps leaders see their weaknesses, but it can help to reinforce their strengths.

Remember who you’re there for

Umpires are there for the players, not the coaches nor the fans and certainly not for the paycheck.

In the same manner, fire service leaders must remain focused on their most valued asset: their people. Without employees, leaders don’t really have a purpose, so leaders must make sure that everything that they do is centered around their people.

A continual process

Leadership is a mountain without a summit, so a commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement is vital. Getting the calls right on scene and at the station are equally important, and by utilizing the simple tips that are noted above, fire service leaders can help to keep things moving in the right direction.