Are You Ready to Advance?

How do you go about preparing for a promotion? Does your organization provide leadership training? If yes, avail yourself of the classes. If no, how do you educate yourself for leadership responsibilities?

Leadership development in EMS is a prime concern. The type of work we perform and the responsibilities we hold (literally life-and-death at times) make leadership skills an indispensable part of the EMT’s and paramedic’s toolbox. Having the knowledge, support, and tactics to apply in leadership positions can mean the difference between success and failure.

In preparing yourself for your new role, just remember that “there is no foolproof, one-size fits all approach to learning the ropes.”¹ The good news is that you already have some pieces of this leadership foundation in your grasp. No matter what abilities you possess, you can always improve with an organized approach to leadership education.

Step #1: Sit Down and Reflect

You’ve spent a few years in the department and feel you’re ready to consider a leadership position. You’ve been observing chiefs and other officers at emergency scenes and have some idea of what they do, as well as your current abilities, skills, and experiences. Talk with someone at the level you’re studying for and ask them what they need (skillwise) to do their job and what they would suggest you do to prepare yourself. 

On a piece of paper, outline your strengths (for example: good people skills, good communication skills). Analyze what you’re not so good at and make a list of that too, then reference both as you close your knowledge gap. Take some time to really reflect on these areas—honesty with yourself helps set the base of your leadership foundation, and without a solid base you’re setting yourself up for a fall down the line.

Now that your list is complete (for now), what can you do to close those gaps you’ve identified? Perhaps the first step is changing your mind-set to that of a leader. There is a major transition in thinking when you go from being in charge of just yourself to yourself and others. We are not always prepared for this—we’re used to completing tasks ourselves, not ordering others to perform them. This shift deserves consideration and discussion. Talking to other leaders, those you respect, about their transition from follower to leader can start you on your journey.

Step #2: Identify Further Deficiencies

Take your list of weaknesses and place them into categories that can be addressed, such as conflict management or people skills. Research the categories you identify to find possible solutions or learning techniques (e.g., conflict-management seminars, mediation courses, etc.).

Some of the ways people can bridge the learning gaps are:

• Read a variety of literature (books, articles, websites) in the areas of history, self-help, and leadership, as well as biographies to create a holistic sense of leadership techniques and styles. Reading about how other people dealt with their experiences can provide insight and motivation you can apply to your own life. Take the time to reflect periodically on what turned you on and off from previous bosses/leaders. What did you see or hear that you wanted to incorporate or forever discard from your repertoire?
• Leadership skills and capabilities can be learned in multiple ways: degree programs, classroom lectures, seminars, observation, actual experiences, reading books and journals, or reflecting on other people’s experiences. Leadership development is comprehensive and should be based on a logical progression of learning and experience. Understand that the practice of leadership can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning the skill sets. Know your own learning methods and incorporate techniques into your education to ensure you capture as much information as possible.

Step #3: Make a To-Do List 

You’ll need a well-planned strategy for taking charge of your desired position and new responsibilities. For many of us that means doing a lot of different things at nearly the same time. Keep a journal or log of what you’d like to accomplish and stick with it. Highlight when you complete something and don’t be too frustrated when other accomplishments are delayed. Delays and setbacks are common in life.

Broaden your scope of expertise. Leaders need to be well versed in planning, operations, technology, finance, conflict management, quality assurance, motivation, and team building, depending on their level in the hierarchy. Start with deficiencies relevant to the position you’re studying for and gradually add other subjects as opportunities arise.

In studying for promotional exams, you will read all the information available from your department relevant to the new position. These KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) can serve as a base for education; areas in which you’re weaker or have never had to have skills before can be improved through the methods above. 

Your previous experiences and the shared experiences of others can serve as learning tools, especially when they are relevant to EMS. These incidents serve as a base when referencing newer information to identify patterns that repeat or instances similar to ones dealt with before. 

Consider taking formal undergraduate and graduate degree programs relevant to EMS or leadership. Do not, however, delay applying for promotions until you graduate—do it while you progress. If you go this route, utilize the experiences of your peers to discuss ongoing development as well as solutions to specific problems. Sharing issues with people from differing occupations can be more beneficial than using the same solutions over and over again.

Put this information and knowledge in your journal and review it at least annually. This is for your eyes only. Use it to finesse your leadership progress or add new aspects.

Step #4: Take Care of Yourself

Not only will you watch out for the well-being of the people who work for/with you, you must also be mindful of your own personal and psychological health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—which includes food, sleep, and exercise, as well as social interactions with friends and family—creates the balance needed to continue leading and enjoyment of your time off.

Step #5: Continuous Loop

Repeat Steps No. 1–3 at least annually. You may need to review them more often when you begin your journey. Continue writing in your journal.

Leadership is a progressive process. Your leadership journey can be likened to a set of stairs: You begin at the bottom with little or no knowledge of your future tasks, but each step you take toward the top captures more information relevant to your duties, more skills to improve your leadership, and more confidence in your ability to complete these tasks.

Each promotion places you at the bottom of a new staircase; then you must climb again, learning new things along the way. Be sure to pass it forward to your followers, your peers, and even your bosses so all can learn and improve from the experience.

Transitioning Into Leadership

Leaders at different levels in different hierarchies are responsible for differing tasks depending on their spans of oversight and/or technical or organizational specialties. A new leader should tailor their progression through their responsibilities based on these differences. It all begins, however, with a base foundation of knowledge that is augmented with different learning, skills, and abilities as the individual advances. 

Make sure your base of knowledge and abilities is solid as you progress up the ranks.  

References 

1. Jackman I. The Leader’s Mentor. New York City: Random House, 2005.

Sidebar: Eight Qualities of Effective Leadership

1. Sincere enthusiasm—When leaders are sincerely enthusiastic and passionate, it’s contagious.

2. Integrity—Whether it’s giving proper credit for accomplishments, acknowledging mistakes, or putting safety and quality first, great leaders exhibit integrity at all times. 

3. Great communication skills—Leaders must motivate, instruct, and discipline the people they lead. 

4. Loyalty—The best leaders understand that true loyalty is reciprocal. 

5. Decisiveness—A good leader is willing to take on the risks of decision-making.

6. Managerial competence—The best leaders inspire, motivate, mentor, and direct.

7. Empowerment—Good leaders have the willingness to empower those they lead to act autonomously. 

8. Charisma—People are more likely to follow the lead of those they like. The best leaders are well-spoken, approachable, and friendly. 

—Source: Fries K, "8 Essential Qualities That Define Great Leadership," Forbes.com

Dawn Dow, EMT-P, PhD, recently retired from a 33-year career with the Chicago Fire Department. She experienced 18 years as a Chicago street medic, 15 years as a paramedic field chief, and four years in rural healthcare. She has advanced degrees in both management and leadership.