How To Think and Act Like a Leader

I’m often approached by EMS supervisors and up-and-comers about a variety of leadership issues. Most often the questions revolve around my personal experiences in EMS and the specific traits I think good leaders share. One piece of advice I dispense fairly regularly deals with the concept of acting like a leader—even when you’re not in a titled position or working in the carpeted area of your EMS agency. So it was with some measure of satisfaction that I read a recent article in the Harvard Business Review entitled “Act Like a Leader Before You Are One.”

For EMS leaders—and leaders-to-be—the lessons discussed in the article are immutable; it really is a necessary read. Some of these lessons include:

• Handle every assignment to the best of your ability. It seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people take a simple assignment and put forth little effort in handling it appropriately. This could include handling your EMS agency’s scheduling responsibilities or even ensuring the supply and equipment cabinets are stocked regularly. When supervisors are evaluating staff, the consistency with which you do the simple everyday tasks matters just as much as the big stuff when it comes to deciding who to promote next. Look at the assignments you’re handed and realize that, on some level, they’re a test of your abilities. For example, if you can contact various manufacturers to better ascertain which backboard your system’s providers would like, chances are good you’re ready for a project of increased responsibility.
• Look for the white space. Up and coming leaders need to be willing to take on the projects that others aren’t willing to tackle, or don’t even know exist. And we know there are projects like this in every EMS agency. It could be something as simple as cleaning out some of the older equipment storage areas, contacting various vendors to beta-test a new piece of equipment or addressing something no one is paying attention to. These all seem like important tasks, so why aren’t people doing them? You need to be the person who says, “I took this one on and I won, for the agency.” When you take on a task no one else is willing to do, you make yourself stand out.
• Help your boss succeed. This is one of those lessons I had to learn the hard way when I had a manager who felt like I was less-than-supportive of his vision—and maybe even standing in his spotlight. Rather than learning it the hard way yourself, understand your manager needs to be supported, even if you don’t always agree. Your manager is trying to set a course for the agency and it’s up to you help the agency stay on that course. Collaboration and cooperation with management goes a long way. One of the things I consistently say to the people I work with is, “If you’re going to say this idea won’t work, then come up with one that will.” That’s working together. The flip side is we’ve all worked at EMS agencies where someone utters my least favorite words: “That’s not my job.” Those words don’t scream “leader” to me.
• Be cautious when sharing your ambitions. Always be careful when you talk about your ambitions, especially with those above you in the proverbial food chain. I once had a manager who couldn’t understand why I was in graduate school. He made it clear he felt threatened with questions like, “What do you need that for?” and “Do you really think an EMS person needs a master’s degree?” It was difficult to make sure my answers didn’t sound condescending. If you think your boss may feel threatened by your aspirations, it’s better to keep your mouth shut and let your actions continue to prove your potential.
• Build relationships. Most workplace success stories—especially in EMS—are the result of teamwork. As such, aspiring leaders need to understand relationships—who it’s important to have professional relationships with, how to develop those relationships, how to utilize them when necessary, etc. In effect, to be a leader, you need to be a master of relationships.
• Find role models. One of the most important elements of my personal move up the ladder into EMS leadership was looking at those around me and learning from all of them. This means you’ll sometimes just need to be quiet and listen—many of my friends will tell you this is especially difficult for me, but I do know when to just absorb the lessons from those around me. There are people who have been where you are and made it to the positions you want to be in—find them, convince them you’re serious about making a difference in EMS (this could be on a local, state or even national level) and allow them to mentor you.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What can I do to get from where I am now to where I want to be,” the time and opportunity for advancement will come. It may not come as quickly or easily as you’d like, but it will come. By following the tips above you have a real shot at getting the supervisory or managerial position you want and making a difference in your EMS agency. It’s never too early to start thinking—and acting—like a leader.

Raphael M. Barishansky, MPH, is director of EMS for the Connecticut Department of Public Health. A frequent contributor to and editorial advisory board member for EMS World, he can be reached at rbarishansky@gmail.com.