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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.

LATET ARTICLES
Emergency response requires increased focus; this is a balancing act when approaching a scene with numerous factors in play
With the right investment and buy-in, mentorship programs can facilitate skill development, career advancement and improve firefighter retention
Firefighters are naturally good problem-solvers but notoriously conflict-averse
As a fire officer, there are times you’ll have to be a referee between firefighters and not properly playing the role will only worsen the conflict
It’s critical that fire officers know how to best mitigate hostilities between members
There is really no substitute for face-to-face interaction and connections made during NFA programs, events and social outings
When an organization underreacts, it can give tacit permission for inappropriate behavior; overreacting can waste resources and even damage trust and morale
Four questions to help leaders refine how to educate their members on fire department discrimination and reporting practices
The only way to finally end sexual harassment within our ranks is if everyone speaks up when they see it or experience it
With sleep deprivation being directly linked to poor decision-making, physical ability and communication, firefighters must be well-rested on and off the job