Oklahoma FirefighterJune/July 20209
Question & Answers
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Mark Murdock
Oklahoma Firefighter asked last issue’s readers this question:
FSIO President
“If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, what TV show would you pick?” Here is what they said: w Dan Little, Tulsa: That’s an easy one. “The Rockford Files” with James Garner (1974-1980).
w Greg Roberts, Norman Ret.: “Gunsmoke”.
w Clifford Lewis, OKC Ret.: “Life Below Zero” and “Life Below Zero: Port Protection.”
w Melanie Colvin, Lexington: “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.” You’d get to travel all over the world, try exotic foods and drinks and enjoy different cultures. Bourdain was a notable chef with a diverse education, who explored international cultures and their cuisine. He would have been interesting to travel and have conversations with.
w Bryan West, OSU-FST: “Last Man Standing.” I like the humor.
w Bert Norton, Midwest City: I would pick to be in “Survivor.”
w Eldon Henderson, Enid Ret.: I would choose “Seinfield” to be trapped in. So many goofy characters and even more goofy plots. Just what we need to escape for awhile right now.
w Mark Murdock, Moore: I ‘d say it would be something like “Gilligan’s Island.” As long as there’s warm sun, a beach and goofy friends!
w Mike Womack, Midwest City: I should’ve been the seventh Brady kid -the special one they kept in the attic.
w S.R. Hunter, Bethany Ret.: The only show worth being trapped in for 30 days would have to be a “National Geographic” special. Maybe ”Around the World in 30 Days.” w Juan Rodriguez, Lawton Ret.: A younger me would have picked “Gilligan’s Island” because of Ginger and Mary Ann. Then “The Big Valley” because Audrey Barkley loved me. Then it would have changed to “The Beverly Hillbillies” so Ellie May could beat me up. A few years later, I would be in “Charlie’s Angel’s getting arrested weekly by Jill Monroe. Then “Wonder Woman” (Lynda Carter), then “WKRP in Cincinnati” (Loni Andersen). Enter the ‘80s and I would be one of the regulars in “Cheers.” Nothing has replaced “Cheers.” Sorry ladies! I’m gonna be hanging with the fellas. The winner is “Cheers.” w Aaron Burns, Broken Arrow Ret.: Without a doubt “Family Guy.” Each episode is hilarious and I could see myself having a beer with the guys. Gigiddy!
w Darren Aexander, Cedar Country: “Expedition Unknown.” I’d run around with Josh Gates and have a ball.
w Trisha Chain, OSFA: I’d definitely pick “Friends.” I don’t think I’d like living in NYC, but the antics of the group would be worth it for a month. Plus, lots of coffee! w Tippy Pierce, Moore Ret.: “Chicago Fire.” w Trent Bryan, El Reno: “Fear Factor.” w Greg Lindsay, Oklahoma City: I think it would be fun to kick it with the crew on “Gilligan’s Island.” w Jeremy Goodrich, Yukon: “Hawaii 5-0.”
Next Month’s Question -“What’s the best event you’ve attended?” Everyone is Welcome to Participate! Email Your Response to penelopes@osfa.info
Moore FD
• Firedoc004@gmail.com
Lead the way! Some believe that leadership skills are not considered important unless you are a boss. I personally believe this is absolutely wrong! As soon as you became a member of the fire service, you took a leadership role within your community. Leadership in the fire department starts at the top with the Fire Chief but it doesn’t simply end there. Leadership is something that should resonate throughout a department no matter what the rank, title or position. If you are an instructor, then you have taken a vital role of leadership in your department. Perhaps you are already in a position of leadership or authority by way of promotional process or appointment. This does not automatically make you a good leader. It takes hark work and effort to make it happen. Being knowledgeable or skillful enough to pass a promotional exam or simply being the popular person doesn’t complete the leadership package. Some say that you cannot learn leadership skills -- you are either a natural born leader or you are not. I don’t believe this is true! With some people, leadership seems to come naturally, but does it? The truth is that the individual has been exposed to or taught good/bad leadership skills from their parents, teachers, coaches etc. It’s how they apply what they have been taught that sets them apart. Then there is the person who is taught the leadership skills, both good and bad, but doesn’t do a good job of applying them. Simply put, they don’t know how or when to apply the necessary leadership skills to be successful. So which category do you fall into?
w Bre Horn, Marshall: This would be a toss up for me between “Grey’s Anatomy” and “NCIS.” w Wayne Mosley, Yukon Ret.: Please don’t judge me, but I would have to pick “The Bold and Beautiful.” And yes, I have watched this soap since its introduction to TV over 35 years ago.
FSIO REPORT
Let’s take a look at some commonly agreed upon areas of good leadership skills: • Good communicator – good speaking and writing skills • Great listening skills! • Confident – not arrogant! • Knowledgeable – not a know-it-all • Modest – not boastful • Fair and ethical – not biased • Consistent • Open-minded • Patient • Trustworthy • Has positive outlook • Has vision and shares it with others
How does this list compare to that of a good instructor? Almost Identical! The number one thing listed nearly every time is good communicator. Effective interpersonal communication is a high priority. Without it you will fail. But there is hope. You can learn and improve your communication skills by learning to listen more and speaking less. Yes, I know you have to speak so that others know what you are thinking, but you can say a lot by not talking all the time, too. Body language says a lot. It’s a hard thing for some to do at first, but a very important lesson to learn nonetheless. Good communication starts by showing the listener that you are actively listening and not just hearing what they are saying. Be engaged in the conversation! A good way to identify your leadership strengths and weaknesses is to make a list of them. Next, make list of people who you believe are good and bad role models in leadership. Identify the strengths that you see in them and write them down. Now do the same with those with poor leadership skills and identify those things you believe are undesirable in leadership. It’s important to identify the bad so you can avoid it. You can learn as much from a poor leader as a good one. Don’t make the same mistakes. Self-evaluation is important, too. But you might be surprised that what you see in yourself is not always what others see in you. Ask a couple of trusted people, who you believe are good leaders, to evaluate your leadership skills, as well. They need to tell you not only your strengths but your weaknesses, too. Here’s the tricky part -- you need to be open-minded to their evaluation and don’t take it personally. It’s tough to hear the negative stuff, but it’s needed for you to make the necessary improvements. Now it is time to compare the list of desirable and non-desirable traits to your strengths and weaknesses and look for areas of improvement. There are numerous classes, books, seminars and other positive examples that we can all learn from. Learning better leadership skills never stops. It’s a life-long process. It is a continuous learning objective that is truly never completed. FSIO and other professional organizations can be great source of education to continue your journey. Until next month stay safe and remember –
LEAD WITH PASSION AND TEACH WITH A PURPOSE!