Episode 040 - Cultivating Culture

As firefighters, we are a unique culture.  We tend to fall into the Type A personality category where we are very competitive, have an ingrained sense of urgency, and have an affinity toward being hostile and aggressive.  However, we also have a handful of Type B personalities as well; people who are relaxed, patient, and easy-going.   Something important to remember is that one isn’t more productive or effective than the other.  Both serve their purpose for different situations. We shouldn’t think of ourselves as strictly one or the other.  And we damn sure shouldn’t act like one is “better” than the other.  We should be adaptable to each situation that presents itself and utilize traits from both sides of the coin.  Think of it this way, a carpenter doesn’t just have a hammer in his toolbox.  He’s got an array of tools that he can use for specific projects because he understands that a hammer isn’t the end all, be all. Within our organizations, we operate in sub-cultures under the umbrella of being firefighters and EMS professionals.   Each of our respective organizations have a mission, vision, and values.  If not, then you’ve got some work to do.  It’s up to us how we want our cultures to look.  Do we want to operate under the table, motivated by selfish political gain, or do we want to operate in a manner that promotes a healthy culture where we put our cards on the holy dining table that we all talk a big game about and operate in a truthful and respectful way where mutual benefits are the goal? Today, I’m going to identify some challenges that face us as a culture,I’ll  give you some personal examples I’ve had in dealing with toxic culture, and provide 3 strategies to help you build a thriving culture no matter what organization you belong to.  Visit our show sponsor link: https://smokealarms.ul.org/  _________  Click HERE to get your FREE COPY of the 12 Days of Leadership Challenge that I mention in the episode!  Click HERE to read more about and purchase the 28-Day Ignition Workout Program!  Click HERE to visit the website and learn more about me and the IGNITEd movement.  Join the battalion of firefighters and EMS professionals who want to civilize their minds, but make savage their bodies by joining the IGNITEd Firefighter Podcast Community on Facebook.  This is where you can connect with me and other firefighters all over the world!  We can share our experiences and gain insight from each other as we deal with the struggles that we may be facing. Love to read?  Join the IGNITEd Readers Book Club on Facebook!  Learn about new books and share your favorites!  We also have a monthly group read with discussion questions at the end of each month!  _________  Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!