“I’m not mad.”
“I’ve got a question.”
“We have enough people.”
“We’ve got a truck available.”

If you've spent any time in the firehouse, you already know those statements can have a whole different meaning depending on which side of the bugles you're standing on.

This week, Brian and Adam introduce the Firehouse Translation Guide.

Brian gives us the chief officer version, while Adam translates it into what the firefighters on the floor are actually hearing. With more than 20 years in the fire service each, the two quickly get into budgets, staffing, reserve apparatus, chain of command, ego, accountability, recognition, and the things firefighters wish their chiefs understood. Pasted text

But the episode becomes more than just chiefs vs. firefighters.

How do we communicate across rank?

Can a firefighter disagree with a chief without being disrespectful?

Do chiefs actually want your opinion?

And how much damage can be caused simply by saying the right thing the wrong way?

As Brian puts it, sometimes you have to put yourself on the other side of the table. Tone, attitude, and perspective all matter. Pasted text

The guys also discuss why communication plays such a huge role in department culture and retention. If we can learn to actually talk to each other and work through problems, we create departments where firefighters genuinely want to stay. Pasted text

🔥 DROP IT IN THE COMMENTS:
What is something your chief says that needs to be added to the Firehouse Translation Guide?

And chiefs… what do firefighters say that needs a translation of its own?

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