Is your mind right?

Safety is a popular fire service “buzz word”; it is cool to talk about it, but are we really getting the message and acting on upon what we are hearing? The Cap’n also insisted that you must “get your mind right” in order to survive. I maintain the same logic should be applied to all firefighters.

Line of duty deaths (LODD)are actually down a bit from this time last year, a trend that will hopefully continue. Maybe we are a bit safer as a result of being more open to listening and learning from the mistakes of others?

Most of us can relate to a specific mentor that taught us many things that we still carry with us today. We learned from them because we listened and then “bought in” to what they were saying. Listening is a trait that does not come naturally to many of us in the fire service. It takes very little forethought to speak, but we must train and discipline ourselves on how to properly listen. Could listening — better comprehension of the subject matter — actually make a difference in lessening fire service fatalities? I maintain that it is, and will continue to make a reduction as evidenced by the recent drop in annual LODDs. Let’s examine some of the following characteristics that are often associated with good listeners:

• They want to hear what others want to say.
  A good listener will listen attentively to the speaker and decide if the information is relevant to them. Wisdom abounds throughout the ranks of the fire service, but we often block it out. Many younger firefighters would be wise to listen to the “old heads” and visa versa.
• They want to help with the problem.
  You cannot help a person unless you understand the problem. This problem must be conveyed, usually in a conversation, before any action can be initiated. Our co-workers may be reaching out for advice or help, do we hear them? Remember, what goes around, comes around, especially in the fire service.
• They accept the feelings of others as genuine.
  A good listener believes what the person is saying to them. Sincerity is an important human trait, and it is most visible when we are engaged in conversation. You must trust each other at an incident, why not in the station?
• They trust the other person to think and solve their own problems.
  The hallmark of every excellent fire officer is to coach his or her subordinates. The speech of a trusting co-worker should reflect a confident tone and reassure the listener that they are supported. Personal change comes from within, but the constant support and encouragement of a trusting co-worker, enhanced through active personal listening, can be a great motivator.
• They listen to understand and do not judge negatively.
  A good listener is patient. They do not “correct” the message or change the subject. They do not finish the speaker’s sentences. They do not jump to conclusions. Hear them out; the picture will most likely become clear if you let them fully explain the situation, and it may be to your benefit as well.
• They focus on the goal, not the minor issues.
  A poor listener will often look for a point of disagreement and cease listening at that point. This usually stems from the first unpopular statement that appears during a conversation. “That will never work here,” is a phrase that should be banned from the fire service.
• They know that first impressions, or appearance, can be deceiving.
  Most everyone has made an error in judgment based on a first impression. One may base their opinion on an errant phrase or mannerism and discover later that they were completely wrong about the person. The fire service interacts with all kinds of people; we should strive to always give people a second chance and never rely on first impressions made on comments alone.
• They pay attention, maintain eye contact and smile if appropriate.
  They give feedback with appropriate body language to show they are listening. They ask questions. Notice these elements during your next conversation. Is this person really listening to you? Put the damn cell phone away when someone is talking to you!
• They summarize the facts and meaning of what was said.
  They can pick up on the nonverbal message. They are not distracted by unconventional behavior or anger. They are in control of their own behavior and focus on the solutions. They can give supportive feedback as well as constructive criticism if asked. Answer truthfully, how much of your feedback is constructive?

While the ability to effectively teach and speak must never be downplayed, the art of listening is equally, if not more important. We do a whole lot of talking when it comes to safety, maybe we should be listening, and more importantly, acting upon what is being said! How often does our “Captain” speak and we simply do not hear them? Increase your personal and departmental worth by improving your listening skills by utilizing some of the traits listed above. You may just fare better — and live a little longer — than our friend Luke.