In the fire service, we pride ourselves on being a team. When the alarm sounds, the effectiveness of our response depends on every individual knowing their role and executing it with confidence. But what happens when a fellow firefighter’s skills are lacking? How can we, as teammates and leaders, bring them along without damaging morale or undermining the culture of trust?
Here’s how we can lift each other up while maintaining the high standards required in our profession:
1. Start with Empathy
Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy. A firefighter struggling with a skill might be facing personal challenges, a lack of confidence, or simply a gap in training. Approach them with the mindset of a teammate who wants to help, not a critic looking to judge.
• Key Action: Privately initiate a conversation. Ask how they’re feeling about their performance and if there’s anything they’re struggling with. Sometimes, acknowledging the issue is the first step toward resolution.
2. Focus on Team, Not Individual, Improvement
Framing skill development as a team effort prevents singling anyone out. Everyone can benefit from extra training or a skills refresher, and making it a collective activity ensures that the individual feels supported, not targeted.
• Key Action: Organize informal training sessions for the entire crew. Whether it’s hose deployment, ladder drills, or medical response scenarios, presenting these as routine skill-building exercises helps normalize improvement.
3. Mentorship, Not Criticism
Offer to mentor the individual. Sharing your own experiences—especially any struggles you’ve overcome—can help create a connection and show that growth is part of the job.
• Key Action: Pair them with a seasoned firefighter who excels in the area they’re struggling with. This one-on-one approach allows for personalized feedback and skill-building.
4. Tailor the Training to Their Needs
If the firefighter’s struggle is specific (e.g., knot-tying, pump operations, or radio communication), create opportunities for them to focus on that skill without pressure. Tailored, hands-on practice can make a significant difference in their confidence and performance.
• Key Action: Schedule low-stakes drills or scenarios where they can practice the specific skill in a controlled, supportive environment.
5. Leverage Positivity and Recognition
No one improves under constant criticism. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge their effort and progress publicly within the team.
• Key Action: When they demonstrate improvement, point it out during debriefs or at the station. A simple “Great job on that ladder placement today” can boost their morale and show that their efforts are noticed.
6. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Emphasize that skills development is a continuous process for everyone. Even seasoned firefighters need refreshers, and no one is expected to be perfect. Normalize the idea that improvement is part of the job.
• Key Action: Share stories of your own learning curve and the challenges you faced early in your career. This helps create a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
7. Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback
Support doesn’t end with one conversation or training session. Stay engaged and monitor their progress over time. Constructive feedback—delivered respectfully—helps reinforce lessons and provides a clear path forward.
• Key Action: After drills or calls, ask them how they felt about their performance and offer actionable suggestions for improvement.
8. Involve Leadership When Necessary
If the firefighter’s skill gap is putting themselves or the team at risk, involve leadership in a way that’s constructive. The goal should be to create a plan for improvement, not to punish or humiliate.
• Key Action: Work with leadership to develop a performance improvement plan that includes specific, measurable goals and the resources needed to achieve them.
Conclusion: Lifting Together
The fire service is a family, and families support one another. Helping a struggling firefighter isn’t just about improving their performance—it’s about strengthening the team as a whole. By approaching the situation with empathy, leadership, and a commitment to their success, we not only elevate their skills but also reinforce the bonds that make our profession so unique.
Remember: Every firefighter starts somewhere. The effort you invest in a teammate today might be what saves lives tomorrow. Let’s lift each other up and keep moving forward, together.
The Third Bugle 