In 1988, Steven R. Covey published his best seller, “7 Habits of Highly Successful People.” For three decades now, this book has remained a recommended read for individuals who are seeking to excel or to serve in a leadership position.
In this article, let’s focus on habit No. 2: “Begin with the end in mind.” Covey encourages readers to understand where you want to be; whether it is at the end of the day, end of the project or the end of your career. Having a plan is a crucial component of knowing who you are, what you want in life and what you want out of your fire service career.
It seems elementary, but time will go by very fast, and without planning, before you know it, you may find yourself uncertain where you will end up and the fairy-tale ending has escaped you.
Firefighter career planning tips
The following are eight steps to career planning in the fire service:
- Begin with the end in mind. Think long and hard about where you want to be at the end of your career. What does retirement look like? Are you ready for the journey? Plan, plan and then plan some more. Time goes by faster than you think.
- Ask questions. Seek out information and people, and listen to them. Find senior members in your organization and ask how they’ve developed a career path, what tips they have to offer, and if they can help you develop a plan.
- Seize opportunities, but consider consequences. Develop a risk/benefit analysis, or pros/cons list to make career decisions based on facts and not impulse. There’s nothing wrong with trusting your gut, but consider the facts as much as possible.
- Enjoy the ride. Fire and emergency services has so much to offer. It’s certainly not an easy job, and you’ll see some bad stuff. However, there are so many people who will never get a chance to call themselves firefighters or paramedics, lieutenants, captains or even chiefs. You have that chance. Make the most of it.
- Build a network. Friends, peers and colleagues provide support, guidance and advice. You’ll need it.
- Be open to new ways of doing things. Change is not popular in this business, but it is inevitable and occurring at a rapid pace. Keep up with it.
- Get involved. “It’s your union, pay your dues, get involved.” These words were uttered by a friend while we were in class at the NFA (actually in the Command Post Pub). I’ve remembered these words for over 20 years now because they mean so much. Get involved in this business to make it better. Be a part of it, don’t just draw a paycheck.
- Never let the minimum standard be your maximum effort. This one’s from me. I came up with it years ago and try to live it every day.
My personal journey in the fire service
At the age of 18, I began my fire service career in 1989 as a volunteer in Jonesboro, Ga. I was hired by my hometown of Morrow, Ga., as a career firefighter at the young age of 19. Back then, things were dramatically different in the fire service. Career development and planning weren’t discussed much, and the resources were limited. The path ahead of me primarily consisted of:
- Go to the Georgia Fire Academy.
- Go to EMT and paramedic school.
- Acquire as many certifications in as many areas as possible.
Our new fire chief encouraged me to consider attending the National Fire Academy (NFA), applying for local leadership programs through the Chamber of Commerce and becoming involved in various associations.
I developed a passion for fire and injury prevention, and participated in many projects that helped me be promoted and serve in an assistant fire marshal role, before accepting a position with the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, and then, as a fire chief.
After serving that great department for eight years, another unbelievable opportunity to serve with the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department in our nation’s capital arose, and I jumped on it.
After 20 years in the business, I got the opportunity to move to the beach and work at a university. I was gradually promoted to vice president over numerous departments, where I found my passion for marketing and outreach while experiencing the fire service from a different view.
Now, here I am, consulting on various projects, speaking and assisting in bringing the National Center for Fire and Life Safety one step closer to reality; and I am waiting to see what the end will look like.
Making an impact on the fire service
I am a student of leadership. I love presenting on the topic and exploring new and better ways to develop others, as well as myself. One core value that I believe a leader must possess is honesty, including with one’s self. And to be honest, I did not begin my career with the end in mind. I’ve had no road map, no pre-planning and certainly no excuses. I’m not the “do as I say” kind of person, I am more of “don’t do what I did, do it better,” person.
Noted author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews, in his book, “The Butterfly Effect,” writes, “Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.” Along this journey, I have impacted the profession and people, and I hope I have made the fire service just a little better.
Now, let me say that I have no regrets. Things happen for a reason and I truly believe God has a plan for me. Every position that I have served in has come at the right moment, and has been a step in the right direction. Every position has been filled with opportunities, special moments and learning opportunities.
But I am also facing some hard truths. At the age of 47, I am asking, what now? What does retirement look like? What does the future look like? As I see so many of my friends retiring, purchasing campers and traveling abroad, enjoying their time post-professional careers, I didn’t begin with the end in mind, and I’m left with a different set of circumstances.
Because most every job I worked at was a defined contribution plan, and not a defined benefit plan, that monthly pension check showing up in the mail is replaced by a dependence on 401s, and the vulnerability of the stock market and the uncertainty of social security. At 19, this discussion would have never entered my mind, but now, it’s looming.
As I previously stated, and want to be clear about, I have no regrets or complaints. My fire service journey has been rewarding, fulfilling and incredible. I’ve made so many lifelong friends along the way, and those who really know me know people and relationships are what keep me happy and moving forward.
And with that, whether you are just starting your career, early in your career or even find yourself in similar circumstances, I am writing this to be here for you. Even if I’ve never met you, we all can use advice and one more friend.
Be safe!
This article, originally published on January 29, 2018, has been updated with additional resources.
