Ch 3 Leadership Skills

Question 1

Belonging to a lower or inferior class or rank; secondary

OR

Subject to the authority or control of another

Answer 1

Subordinate

Question 2

The 3 U’s:

Answer 2

• Unaware - unaware, or not conscious of what is going on
• Unable - lacking mental, or physical capability or efficiency; incompetent
• Unwilling - resisting authority, or having a defiant attitude (insubordinate)

Question 3

The three top reasons a person works are:

Answer 3

• Money
• Security
• Self esteem

Question 4

Acronym for program development

P-R-DIE

Answer 4

• Plan
• Research
• Develop
• Implement
• Evaluate

Question 5

What is a trap many people in leadership positions fall into?

Answer 5

Trying to prove that they know more than everyone else

Question 6

These people will not only want smarter and more talented people on their team, they will actively seek them out.

Answer 6

Smart leaders

Question 7

These people will become threatened by talented people. Someone performing them or getting credit for a specific job is a blow to their ego or self-esteem. Because of this, they tend to consciously or unconsciously sabotage the efforts of others in an effort to keep from appearing weak.

Answer 7

Positional leaders (those simply with a title, rank or position of authority)

Question 8

A leader will accomplish far more through this than by taking on 100% of the responsibility of every project and are making the terrible mistake of chronic micromanagement.

This is one of the most important aspects of time management.

And this is an absolute necessity when it comes to an organizations success.

Answer 8

Effective delegation

Question 9

By doing this, it multiplies your chances of success

Answer 9

DIVIDING tasks

(It’s math!)

Question 10

In order for supervisors to delegate effectively, they first must do this (2)

Answer 10

• Feel secure about their own position
• Understand the talents, skills and abilities of those around them

Question 11

1) Establish and maintain an environment that is favorable to delegating
2) Select the right person for the job
3) Assure that the person accepting the assignment understands it
4) Keep an open door policy
5) Be prepared to accept and deal with the consequences of the persons actions
6) Always reward performance

Answer 11

6 Tips on how to delegate effectively

Question 12

You should establish and maintain an environment that is favorable to delegating, and this begins by

Answer 12

Creating team spirit

Question 13

The five steps of progressive discipline

Answer 13

1) verbal reprimand
2) written reprimand
3) suspension
4) FINES
5) termination

Question 14

The main reason for a subordinate interview

Answer 14

To determine which of the three U’s you are dealing with (unaware, unable, or unwilling)

Question 15

Format for Critiquing Others

What is one thing you should start and end the meeting with?

Answer 15

Positives or positive notes

Question 16

The goal of a fact-finding (informal) interview is: (2)

Answer 16

• To determine what the problem is
• Attempt to develop a solution

Question 17

What is one of the differences between unable and unwilling?

Answer 17

• Unable, you will have to make your superiors aware of the situation
• Unwilling, must be immediately bumped up the chain of command

Question 18

After determining the 3 U’s, progressive discipline is next. If, in fact, the issue at hand requires more than “a talk” with the individual in question, the appropriate SOLUTION should be: (p. 108)

Answer 18

Determined by the head of your organization, and only after proper counsel

Question 19

1) Begin on a positive note
2) Criticize the ACT, not the person
3) Clearly explain what you want and expect
4) Develop a solution together, and agree on it
5) End on a positive note

Answer 19

Format for critiquing others, a.k.a. sandwich technique

Question 20

This is one of the most dangerous, destructive and counter-productive acts an individual - or group of individuals - can do in the fireground

Occurs when a person works outside of an established action plan

Answer 20

Freelancing

Question 21

This is a key ingredient, and sometimes the only ingredient, in a recipe for disaster

Answer 21

Freelancing

Question 22

This term is the worst possible adjective in the world of firefighting, used to describe an individual who consistently neglects their duties, tend to not be where they are supposed to be and is a negative by-product of freelancing

Answer 22

Coward

Question 23

If freelancing occurs on a regular basis, it is likely the ____fault, as it theirs from day one to establish the correct expectations

Answer 23

The organizations

Question 24

Although there are different theories as to who should shoulder the blame when freelancing occurs, many times when freelancing occurs, it is the result of ____.

Answer 24

Poor communication

Question 25

This is arguably the best way to train new officers and/or compensate for the inevitable loss of experience, skill and knowledge that occurs when senior members retire and probationary firefighters take their places

Answer 25

Mentorship

Question 26

If your organization doesn’t have a formal mentorship program, the first step is this

Answer 26

Identify the challenges your department, as a whole, is facing

Question 27

A critical step in developing a mentorship program is to what?

Answer 27

First admit that you alone do not determine your department’s or company’s success

Question 28

As a leader, you may choose to personally mentor a specific individual but that isn’t always the case the best option. The author believes the best method is to:

Answer 28

Match experienced firefighters with new recruits

Question 29

Many experts in the fire service and corporate America believe this is the maximum number of individuals a good mentor can handle before being spread too thin

Answer 29

- 5 (Ideal 1-5 individuals)

Question 30

This is the least important of the eight things when selecting a mentee

Answer 30

Confident

Question 31

This is the best way to measure the progress of a mentor’s work and is a modern-day form of a progress report.

Answer 31

Accountability

Question 32

With respect to mentoring, this first rule cannot be overlooked. In other words, you must have a clear picture of what you want your protégés to become.

Answer 32

Begin with the end in mind

Question 33

When beginning the process and reaching out to the mentee, making sure everyone is on the same page, or _____, is the key

Answer 33

Clarity

Question 34

In regards to mentoring, this is often the best way to equip someone with the desire to improve

Answer 34

Leading by example

Question 35

Counseling, although similar to mentoring, is different in important ways. In the fire service, counseling is offered when PERSONAL issues affect an individuals work performance. Recognizing when counseling is needed and proactively addressing the issue without ______ requires greater knowledge and skill than an average team leader possesses

Answer 35

Being intrusive

Question 36

When morale is low, you’ll see signs such as: (4) *Ask SIRI why morale is low*

Answer 36

- Sabotage - Increased absenteeism - Reduced work ethic - Increased violence

Question 37

It’s been said that the Number One cause of low morale in the workplace is what?

Answer 37

When people have to “drag around” dead weight, otherwise known as lazy coworkers no one will discipline

Question 38

Other than financial security, one of the biggest reasons an individual takes on a job is for what?

Answer 38

Recognition

Question 39

The majority of morale-killing problems we have in the fire service revolve around these two things

Answer 39

- Gossip - Rumors

Question 40

Recognition is vital but to be effective must be ___, ___, and ____

Answer 40

- Positive - Sincere - Timely

Question 41

According to an article in USA Today, the two most underused words in corporate America are what?

Answer 41

Thank You

Question 42

What can be a great asset to help a leader express appreciation for an individual’s efforts and contributions to the team?

Answer 42

A Performance Evaluation

Question 43

What can be contagious, caustic, and Destructive within an organization?

Answer 43

A lack of Discipline

Question 44

This word is the key when it comes to conducting meetings

Answer 44

Effective

Question 45

- Start on time - Don’t sit down - Be prepared - Be clear and specific - Stick to the agenda - Separate and subjugate - Never end late

Answer 45

7 sure fire strategies to shortening your meetings

Question 46

When developing a program, there is a comprehensive format that can be used to develop and implement standard operating procedures. The acronym for these five steps can be easily remembered as:

Answer 46

P-R-DIE - Plan - Research - Develop - Implement - Evaluate

Question 47

Of the PR-DIE administrative format, this stage should be initiated by forming a committee and you should look outside your organization for legal and expert opinions

Answer 47

Plan Plan Research Develop Implement Evaluate

Question 48

Two actions that should be taken after each of the five steps in the PR-DIE process

Answer 48

1) document what occurred and 2) prepare report for your superior

Question 49

When doing Research (step 2), call around and see who may already have developed and implemented a successful program. One simple call may provide you with ___ of the information needed.

Answer 49

90%

Question 50

During which step of PR-DIE does the writing begin?

Answer 50

Develop

Question 51

There are various ways to format what you put down on paper during the Develop stage of PR-DIE. The most effective format is:

Answer 51

An SOP

Question 52

An effective SOP includes the following sections (SRPP)

Answer 52

- Scope - Responsibility - Purpose - Procedures and guidelines

Question 53

What should be done first before implementing an important program?

Answer 53

Evaluating its effectiveness Step 4 Implement PR-DIE

Question 54

What is the best way to inform the public of your new program?

Answer 54

A combination (newspaper, TV, brochures, Internet)

Question 55

These three words are crucial in the fire service, and prevent any chances of making the mistake a year or two after the implementation of a program (RER)

Answer 55

- Review - Evaluate - Revise Step 5 PR-DIE Evaluate

Question 56

What are three of the subconscious aspects when it comes to making a good presentation regardless of the setting an audience?

Answer 56

1) Voice 2) Body language 3) Appearance

Question 57

What nonverbal communication is recognizable for nervous, critical, pondering, or listening intently

Answer 57

Hand to cheek

Question 58

What nonverbal communication is recognizable when someone is having doubt?

Answer 58

Touching/rubbing nose

Question 59

What is the #1 fear in America? What is #2?

Answer 59

1 - public speaking 2 - death

Question 60

What is the first thing you should do if you are serious about advancing your career and achieving higher ranks?

Answer 60

Identify the reason or reasons why

Question 61

The receiver of a message usually takes the blame when things go wrong. In reality, the problem is often times the result of what?

Answer 61

The SENDERS inability to communicate a message property

Question 62

What are the two things you must do very well if you are in charge at a fire scene (or taking the lead of a major project):

Answer 62

1) give precise directions 2) listen

Question 63

Concerning communication on the fireground, everyone, including the IC, should spend ____ of his or her time, listening, and ____ percent talking

Answer 63

80% listening 20% talking

Question 64

Having the opportunity to conduct drills in a structure that you can take apart is priceless, such as vertical and horizontal ventilation, forcible entry, and search and rescue, and is why the fire service exists. Leaders must ___.

Answer 64

Acquire the appropriate tools to train on what they do the most

Question 65

What are the threes reasons listed as causes of poor report writing? (TUS)

Answer 65

- Lack of TRAINING - Lack of UNDERSTANDING what a good report consists of - Poor writing SKILLS (Corrected with training, format, spellcheck)

Question 66

Inconsistent or incomplete reports create preventable liability. When are we as a fire service most susceptible to liability?

Answer 66

When we are documenting low frequency incidents such as those that involved fatalities, serious injuries, or major property damage

Question 67

What are the two reasons reports are written for?

Answer 67

- To educate PEOPLE who are not at the incident - to help YOU recall incident specifics

Question 68

What 4 words sum up the goal of a fire service professional?

Answer 68

Do your job right

Question 69

What two words sum up the goal of a report?

Answer 69

Prove it

Question 70

What is the greatest challenge a fire service leader will encounter?

Answer 70

ACKNOWLEDGING the fact that he/she will have to combine different PHILOSOPHIES that leaders implement to effectively MANAGE unions and paramilitary organizations

Question 71

What is the second greatest challenge a fire service leader will encounter?

Answer 71

To develop the SKILLS needed to LEAD union and paramilitary organizations 1st greatest - philosophies to manage 2nd greatest - skills to lead

Question 72

If someone was to ask you the following question: Do you feel your talents, skills, and abilities are being utilized correctly ? There is a good possibility would answer no, and the reason for that is:

Answer 72

Most people in leadership positions never take the time to get to know what the people around them are good at

Question 73

If you have more talent, skills, and abilities than everyone on your team combined, then what do you have?

Answer 73

Weak team

Question 74

What is a simple way to help you learn to value the diversity of your team members?

Answer 74

Create a check sheet with talents, skills, and abilities you want and need

Question 75

If you don’t develop your people and let them feel a little heat today, they end up getting burned when you need them the most. The best way to prevent this is through?

Answer 75

Delegation

Question 76

When dealing with subordinates, minor problems are sometimes the byproduct of a personal issue that is surfaced in the individuals life. Who must address problems like this and how must they be addressed?

Answer 76

- Subordinate Firefighters supervising officer - addressed immediately

Question 77

Disobedient to authority is the definition of what

Answer 77

Insubordinate

Question 78

15 Basic components of a subordinate interview.

Answer 78

1) gather facts 2) get it in writing 3) schedule a meeting 4) conduct the meeting 5) get the individual side of the story 6) look for an underlying problem 7) determine which of the three U’s you are dealing with (main reason for interview) 8) discuss, progressive discipline 9) develop a solution together and implement it 10) summarize 11) set a follow-up meeting 12) inform the individual of the appeal process 13) end on a positive note 14) document and report 15) monitor and evaluate the individuals progress until the next meeting

Question 79

When talking of freelancing, we should use what method to get to the root of the problem?

Answer 79

3 U’s

Question 80

Communicate your expectations regularly. The job of a leader is to provide direction and help keep people focused on their tasks. You will know when someone has fallen off track. Use this if you are unsure.

Answer 80

Follow your gut

Question 81

What are the six steps to effectively begin mentoring?

Answer 81

1) choose your mentees 2) begin the connecting process 3) begin to equip them (4Step) 4) enable them 5) encourage them 6) inspire and encourage them to be self motivated

Question 82

Eight proven steps that a leader can take to increase morale

Answer 82

1) praise often and in public 2) set goals 3) Lead by example 4) don’t be a micromanager 5) eliminate problems quickly 6) encourage promotion, and help your members advance in career 7) instill team spirit 8) be consistent and fair

Question 83

What are two ways to show appreciation?

Answer 83

- Acknowledging deserving accomplishments early - Establish a time place in more formal method for acknowledging those who perform at a high-level

Question 84

When you’re speaking, it’s not only your words that people are paying attention to. What are three subconscious aspects?

Answer 84

- Your voice - Body language - Appearance

Question 85

Gesture clusters together will tell you a lot about a person, but when it comes to single gestures, these tend to be the dominant body gesture?

Answer 85

Facial expressions

Question 86

Listening is one of the most underdeveloped skills in our society. In our industry, ____ is an overworked word, but an underworked act.

Answer 86

Communication

Question 87

Many departments find that they have less time to train on what one of our main focuses should be – structural firefighting. One way for you as a leader to help your organization get back to the basics is by finding:

Answer 87

The proper tools to use as training props

Question 88

As much as the fire service resembles, the traditions of the military, there is one huge distinguishing component that makes our organization different from the military

Answer 88

Labor unions

Question 89

In the thick of battle, Firefighters respond well to a leader who can do what 4 things? (AFDA)

Answer 89

- rapidly ASSESS situations - FORMULATE strategic plans - Make accurate DECISIONS - calmly give out ASSIGNMENTS

Question 90

In which stage of P-R-DIE should delegation happen?

Answer 90

All the stages (All projects, especially large/manpower intensive ones)

Question 91

The author encourages anyone in the Fire service who has to take disciplinary action against an individual that goes beyond _____ to consult the governing body and/or seek legal advice before doing so (p. 104)

Answer 91

A written reprimand

Question 92

The goal of a fact-finding interview is to determine what the problem is, and attempt to develop a solution. This can only be accomplished after concluding what?

Answer 92

If the individual Unaware, Unable or Unwilling (3U’s)

Question 93

There will be times when a firefighter will perform an unacceptable level. When these incidents are witnessed and/or brought to your attention, they must be addressed. What will be needed the majority of the time?

Answer 93

Constructive criticism

Question 94

When minority is dissatisfied and disgruntled, those voices seem to multiply and morale begins to decrease. Take for example, a 100 member organization. If out of 100, you have ____ chronic complainers, ____ happy individuals, and ____who are caught in the middle.

Answer 94

- 10 complainers - 30 happy - 60 in the middle

Question 95

A performance evaluation can be a great asset to help a leader express appreciation for an individuals efforts and contributions to the team. There are two main ways in which performance evaluations can benefit your team:

Answer 95

- They give you an opportunity to express appreciation - They help ensure accountability

Question 96

This nonverbal communication is displeasure or confusion

Answer 96

Frown

Question 97

This type of nonverbal communication is fear, envy, or disbelief

Answer 97

Raised eyebrows

Question 98

What are the types of nonverbal communication, there are two for hiding some thing

Answer 98

- Inability to make eye contact - Covering your mouth