Coaching in the fire service is one of the least used and least understood forms of professional development yet it can be one of the more powerful tools an individual can use.  Different from coaching in sports where a coach guides the team, coaching within an organization is an empowering process that helps individuals bridge the gap between where they are currently and where they want to be.

 

This stability provides not only a strong mindset for excellence but provides protection against the events of life that too frequently take serious tolls. The fire service has only recently begun to value the mental health of the firefighting and EMS workforces.  Coaching relies on the paradox that the public believes we have all the answers and the reality that we do not.  It develops the individual to do the best he can do yet not succumb when it is not good enough.

 

Fire officers and chiefs who use coaches can recognize other team members’ strengths, weaknesses, and motivations to help each individual improve because they see things an indivdual himself may not see.

In departments where chiefs and officers leaders are both coached and adopt a coaching style with their teams, the culture of coaching permeates throughout, leading to positive transformation and growth.

 

Coaching can be done over the phone, over a video call, or in person.  All can be effective.