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Linda Willing

Leading the Team

Linda Willing is a retired career fire officer and currently works with emergency services agencies and other organizations on issues of leadership development, decision-making and diversity management. She was an adjunct instructor and curriculum advisor with the National Fire Academy for over 20 years. Willing is the author of On the Line: Women Firefighters Tell Their Stories and was co-founder of Women in the Fire Service. Willing has a bachelor’s degree in American studies, a master’s degree in organization development and is a certified mediator. She is a member of the FireRescue1/Fire Chief Editorial Advisory Board. Connect with Willing via email.

LATEST ARTICLES
What started as a women-centered wildland fire training event has evolved into a networking and camaraderie-building international movement
Following key steps can help firefighters manage stress in order to reduce fear and improve decision-making, both on and off the emergency scene
A Netflix documentary about the deadly blaze balances themes of loss with courage and fortitude
Through Project Fire Buddies, firefighters volunteer time to lift up the most vulnerable children in their communities
Detailing the incremental change related to family leave, laws, station design, grooming, gear and leadership opportunities
All organizations will falter and ultimately fail if the only motivators are punishment and reward
Despite overwhelming evidence that they work, firefighters still don’t use seat belts; this three-step process explains why and offers solutions
It’s a two-way street; HR professionals should do more to understand the industry and fire leaders should better explain the needs of members
Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation are critical for keeping team members involved and prepared for the challenges they face
Even if the potential for a wildfire response is rare in your community, every member should be up-to-speed on exactly what that response entails