Metro Fire Chiefs, Part IV

This week marked our final session with the Metro Fire Chief Officers Association (MFCOA).   We had a rich discussion, looking at some of the core challenges facing both chief and line officers: bringing out the best in our people. 

Central to this discussion was the work of Daniel H. Pink, from his most recent book, Drive.  I rarely find a book filled, cover to cover, with ideas that I am entirely willing to adopt.  This is it.  In it, Pink makes a research-driven argument for the power of intrinsic motivation.  He both explains, and guides us in how to harness, that level of full engagement when people are absorbed by their tasks, committed to shared goals, working great together.   In fact, as I made the quarterly update to the ELA bibliography, Drive was the first book I added.   (Please watch this space for more blogging on that topic.)

As we closed the session, one chief commented that it takes a lot to commit to a monthly meeting, but he was glad he did: we talked about the stuff that otherwise occupies most of his time, and made him more effective.  “We don’t really have problems on the fireground.  This program was all about the other stuff, the stuff that really makes a difference in our department.”   Another agreed, and wanted more.

Feedback like that keeps me going. 

Thanks to MFCOA for sponsoring a great series of discussions, with a remarkable group of public safety leaders.

Please enjoy the slideshow by downloading or viewing here: