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Bad leaders pretending to be good leaders – it’s a real issue!

Some simple, even clever, ways to address the disconnect

In this episode of What’s YOUR Problem? Chief Goldfeder tackles this reader question:

I recently learned that one of our chief officers is speaking about leadership at a regional event. This officer is pretty much the last person who should be speaking about leadership in any form. He’s condescending, unhelpful and basically hangs in the office until there’s a call. What’s worse is that he always blames any failings on his subordinates, never takes responsibility when he messes up. I don’t plan on saying anything about this – and don’t even really have a question beyond ‘how does this happen – bad leaders pretending they are good leaders.

Do you have a question for Chief Goldfeder? Email editor@firerescue1.com or submit a question here.

Watch more What’s YOUR Problem? videos here.

Chief Billy Goldfeder, EFO, a firefighter since 1973, serves as deputy fire chief of the Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Fire Department. He also serves as Lexipol’s senior fire advisor and is a member of the Fire Chief/FireRescue1 Editorial Advisory Board. Goldfeder is a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations: the IAFC, the September 11th Families Association and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). He also provides expert review assistance to the CDC NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. Goldfeder is the recipient of numerous operational and administrative awards, appointments and recognitions. He has served on several NFPA and IAFC committees, has authored numerous articles and books, and presented several sessions at industry events. Chief Goldfeder co-hosts the website www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com.