Management 1

Management 1

Human Resource Management

IFCF - MANAGEMENT 1 2

Introduction

You have just been promoted to the position of company officer.– Lieutenant in charge of a single company– Varying degrees of experience, motivation,

and dedication within your company.– You have been promoted through a

competitive testing process, some of the other candidates you came on the job with


Your first day as an officer;

Scenarios in the American Fire Service

YOUR

DEPT.


Role and Function of the FO 1

Job Description– a written statement of the content and

location of a job as it relates to the organizational chart.

Illinois Fire Service– Over 70% is volunteer– 1209 fire departments/districts– Full spectrum of services delivered


Company Officer-The Vital Link

What does the company officer connect or link the firefighter to?– Administration– Emergency Operations




Common Mistakes to Avoid as a Company Officer

Letting authority go to your head Playing the tyrant boss Playing favorites Making to many changes too fast Sidestepping the Chain of Command Keeping the “just one of the gang”

relationships with former co-workers


Summary

Easy to get off on the wrong foot– “Now it will be my way”

Start slow, walk soft, until you are sure! Officers in the past had little

management training. Use what you learn

Use the 6 keys to success and avoid mistakes



Sources of Authority

Unity of Command– Firefighter is

responsible to1 and only 1 supervisor.

– This applies to fireground and in-station activities.

– Provides direct line of communications between FF and Lt.


Unity of Command Principles

Unity of Command necessary for efficient supervision

Works in 2 ways:– You know who to report to– You know who to direct


What Happens if the Unity of Command Breaks Down?? Firefighters play officers against one

another Loudest officer often wins Projects suffer in quality because to FF

tries to follow conflicting procedures FF become confused and frustrated


Chain of Command

Pathway of responsibility from the top of the department to the bottom.– Everyone receives the same message– Work is broken into specific job

assignments– Breeches or sidestepping result in a LOSS

OF CONTROL


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Span of Control

The number of people a supervisor can effectively oversee at one time.– 5 to 6 firefighters is maximum.– Basis for Incident Management System– Sectors and Branches use this principle

If Span of Control is exceeded– Safety could be compromised– Freelancing in all environments



Division of Labor

Separation between job functions– Divided between larger job responsibilities

• Training Officer• Fire Prevention Officer• Public Education Officer• Maintenance• Hazardous Materials Coordinator

Consistent with Span of Control



Division of Labor Helps the Fire Officer

Delegate responsibility to persons responsible for duties– Makes more time available– Management wants this in most

organizations Not “step on the toes” of others Rules and Regulations will determine

areas of responsibility


Company Officer Derives Authority from Chain of

Command Make FF’s aware of proper channels Officer must learn to handle the FF’s

problems to avoid breeches of command

Remember:– Difference between authority & respect

• Authority is bestowed, respect is earned!


The Nature of Our Business

Sometimes emergencies dictate breaching the unity of command– Fireground situations

• Conflicting or multiple assignments• Completing tasks as you go• Not following through with the communication

process; “assignment complete”

– Acting out of rank– Working on new assignments


A Simple Problem Solving Skill

L-L-isten to the problemisten to the problem I-I-nvestigate possible solutionsnvestigate possible solutions S-S-eek help from aboveeek help from above T-T-ake actionake action E-E-ncourage by providing supportncourage by providing support N-N-ow follow up, make sure the problem ow follow up, make sure the problem

is solved!is solved!

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Management 1