It is such a pleasure to contribute to Leadership and Community for the first time. It’s also much easier to read than to write! Haunted by a blank electronic page, I made an executive decision: my laptop and I might as well do battle over breakfast. While perched at the counter of Highland Grill, a suitable topic presented itself before I could drain my first cup of coffee. Two fellow diners were grousing about leaders, so I listened in.
“What a showboat,” said one.
“Trying to make something out of nothing,” agreed the other.
I bit, asking what they were talking about. They were only too happy to tell me: the Pioneer Press picked up the story of St. Paul Fire Chief Tim Butler, who is attending the departmental fire academy along with the new recruit class. They thought the whole thing was a pile of, um, fertilizer. Transparent public relations.
I was interested, in part because my organization, the Hill Center, works with fire service leaders. It’s an amazing profession. I saw the article, and while I agreed that it was a creampuff piece, my reaction was different from those of my new breakfast buddies.
I think the Chief attending the academy is a great idea. Butler has held the SPFD’s top post since 2007, but came to the role most recently through emergency management, not by moving up through the ranks as a firefighter. The twelve week academy will give him a core experience in common with those he is leading. Butler has blogged extensively about getting in shape and, at age 50, making his way through the academy. According to the article, nobody there forgets he’s Chief, but he is very clear that he is not to get any breaks.
Some of this is symbolism, surrounding the idea of full membership in the firefighting “brotherhood” (“siblinghood” is more accurate, if awkward). Beyond that, Butler will see his department from an entirely different perspective. The experience of the academy and the initial, probationary period as a firefighter are important periods of learning and rites of passage. Experiencing even some of that process first-hand can only help a senior leader – and therefore his department – continue to improve the experience, and effectiveness, of the people on the red trucks.
Butler’s also got a lot of skin in the game: what if he doesn’t cut it? Even the critics were willing to agree that it takes some guts to take that risk. The commitment also reminds us as leaders of the power of walking a mile in the moccasins – or “turnout boots” – of the newest members of our organizations.
Thanks for a good conversation, guys.
I agree … the experience of the fire chief at the academy, will provide him with an inside look at his work. Reminds me of the recently new TV show [which I have only seen once] Undercover Boss. We each have a perspective from where we live. Unless we are willing to look from a new direction, it’s often impossible to see that there may be another truth. It is particularly important, as leaders, that we confirm our assessments. How else can we be truly equipped to lead?
I applaud the Chief as well. Have we become so jaded with leaders that we cynically analyze every move? Sure, there is a PR motive. That’s smart leadership. But I have to believe that the Chief has the best intentions and it will make him a more effective leader.
In my last position we required our help desk folks to get low voltage certification and they were less than thrilled with the course work and exam. It is a tough test, with more than a 30% failure rate.
So to make sure the expereince and requirement was not overly burdening I took the class and test, obtaining my certification. I did it not because I ever expected to wire a building but it showed the staff I was willing to do anything I asked them to do. It also confirmed in my mind the need for the skill and the time needed to properly prepare.
Interestingly there was a minor down side, we had some folks that failed and it did not go over well with them that the boss who had not done the work hands on in years passed and they had not. But we turned it into a coaching opporuntity and discussed with the individuals what areas they needed help with and we tried to adjust their work assignments to give them expereince in those areas and help them prepare for the retest.
I beleive it is very valuable to get a well rounded exposure to a business, in the technology field folks tend to isolate themselves to the systems, in almost every case understanding the business first makes implementing, managing and supporting those systems much more effective.
I give the Chief credit for getting a better understanding of the business he is involved with.
I agree with you… and from a PR perspective I have to say there is a huge difference between a meaningless PR “stunt” and a meaningful, even if symbolic, act that is also PR worthy.
When I worked at Best Buy we had a philosophy that everyone in corporate needs to spend time in the stores… that’s where the most important work is happening. Even the top executives would go out and spend time with the Blue Shirts, and they would always emerge with a new perspective and renewed appreciation for the company.
I think the Chief has his heart in the right place and he is calling attention to an important institution that many of us take for granted. He will emerge from this exercise changed for the better. I applaud his effort.