Life at the Sharp End
Life at the Sharp End
Dr. Jason Price
9 • Fire and Rescue service culture - how leaders shape the fire service family
59 minutes Posted Nov 12, 2024 at 11:00 pm.
Introduction
Chad’s career path in Fire and Rescue
The value of education in developing fire service leaders
Gaining respect as an operational leader
How leaders build, or destroy, trust in poor micro-cultures
Beating people down - personal choices and probation periods
Advancing fire service culture by changing behaviour
Cultural change : “hiring for what’s above the shoulders”
The “system” or the people? Leadership skills for chang
How should leaders respond when people are afraid to speak up?
Sweeping it under the rug - the impact on trust in leaders
Diversity benefits leaders by giving different perspectives
What’s next for Chad in changing fire service culture?
Chad’s contact information
Lessons for fire service leaders to learn
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59:05
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Show notes

Chad Costa is Assistant Fire Chief at the City of Petaluma in California, USA. He has a passion for leadership, organisational change and improving culture in the fire service family, based on over twenty six years of experience in Fire and Rescue.

As someone who’s lived life at the sharp end of Fire and Rescue culture, what can we learn from Chad about how developing leaders and supporting diversity in teams are key factors in tackling the cultural problems affecting many Fire and Rescue services across the world?

In this episode you’ll hear about Chad’s own experiences of poor Fire and Rescue culture; how the probationary system reinforces outdated approaches and hinders cultural change; and how he’s taken positive steps with his organisation to encourage diversity of thought and leadership education.

Chad talks about the importance of leaders living up to their promises, and his reflections that “we call people leaders - some people are just people in leadership positions.”

If you’re part of the fire service family with a desire to make a positive difference in tackling incivility, bullying and harassment, this episode is packed with content that you can apply in your own situation.

Would you like to know more?

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