Training Tip of the Week --- Building a House in 30 Minutes

Almost every jurisdiction has some form of active building construction going on at any given time.  Whether it be a new housing development on the edge of town, some urban in-fill housing spattered throughout an older residential district, or just simply a random house going up on a long-empty lot in an established neighborhood, firefighters often don’t have to look far to find a construction site filled with training opportunities. 


While studying time-tested manuals and books in the fire service can provide a great deal of insight into building construction (if you don’t know of Frank Brannigan, it’s time to Google him…), kicking down that comfortable recliner and getting out into your district often provides for a much more lasting and impactful lesson.  And better yet, you’re seeing the construction features and layouts of YOUR actual structures; not theoretical buildings or examples in a book from another city.

One of the best ways to understand the many elements of modern residential construction is to visit a housing development under construction.  During the active construction phase, which depending upon the size of the housing tract can last for several years, a fire crew can see a house “built” from bare foundation, to rough frame, to interior finish, to completed, all in the span of about 30 minutes of walking around into various similar units in the area.  Crews can get a close-up look at concepts such as gusset plates that hold together lightweight truss roof members, finger-jointed wall studs, engineered wooden I-beams, and structural insulated panels (SIPs).  Younger members that are unfamiliar with the “guts” of a house can gain a frame of reference about void spaces, pipe chases, knee walls, soffits, utility meters, and many other features that will come in handy when that next fire comes along.  In addition to construction-related discussion, the company officer can guide a quick lesson on common house layouts, typical stairwell configurations, likely bedroom locations, patterns of inward vs. outward door swing for different types of rooms, and the accompanying victim search and tactical fire operation options that are possible for each house that the crew checks out.

Keep in mind, of course, professional courtesy with any on-site construction workers, and the privacy of any residents already living in the neighborhood.  Although workers and neighbors alike are usually open and agreeable to the local fire service responders checking out the new development, it’s typically best to speak to a site foreman and/or any inquisitive neighbors that are in the area.  Wear a helmet if entering an active construction site, and make sure not to track mud or mess into someone’s new home.  A residential neighborhood under construction is an extremely simple, zero-cost, impactful training opportunity for your crew.  Get out there and walk around in your buildings!

This weeks training tip is brought to you by Lieutentant Brad French with the Dayton (OH) Fire Department.

Remember The Basics To Be The Best Instructor

As instructors we have an incredible responsibility to our students, our industry and ourselves.  When preparing to deliver a program or course there are a few things that we must always do to ensure we are successful and provide a positive impact.  

Dress for success.
Always arrive early and stay late.
Always come prepared.
Be present.
Ask questions during your presentation and allow time for questions to be asked.
Always say "thank you" at the conclusion of your presentation.

Dress for success. Nothing says professional like a suit and tie.  You only have one chance at a first impression and unfortunately this is typically done before you are even introduced.  Your appearance projects the perception you have about yourself, your material, as well as your feelings about the audience.  Sometimes a suit and tie is not appropriate, an example is in house training or training at the academy.  If you are wearing your uniform make sure it is pressed, your shoes are shined and you are well groomed.  Your appearance gives you confidence that translates into confidence in your delivery that further translates into a successful delivery. You cannot overdress for success. 


Always arrive early and stay late.  As the presenter it is your responsibility to ensure your AV equipment works and is capable of handling your delivery needs.  Arrive at least 30 minutes early to venues that you are familiar with or have presented at before, an example is your training academy or own department.  If you are new to the location, arrive 45-60 minutes early. You must take ownership for all aspects of the course, allowing ample time prior to the start will provide a window to correct any AV needs or classroom requirements that may not be in place.  If everything is working properly, take the extra time to grab a cup of coffee and network with students as they enter the class.  You can never be too early but you definitely do not want to start class late due to “technical difficulties". 

Always come prepared; have your presentation ready and relevant to the topic you are presenting.  Take the time the night before to update statistics, for example, if you are talking about firefighter safety and have a statistic on LODD’s, update that data the morning of the presentation. Today’s students have a “need it now” mentality. Almost everyone has a smart phone or some type of electronic device.  Expect that your students will fact check your curriculum. This is good as it makes us, as instructors, stay on our A-game and not present irrelevant or dated material.  Make sure you know your material, there is nothing worse than sitting in a presentation only to feel like you know the topic as well or sometimes better than the presenter. 

Be present. This may sound simple, but being present is more than just being physically there in front of the audience.  As the instructor, you must be focused and engaged in your presentation.  Arrive ready to own your class and material. This ownership will translate into students who are engaged and a course that is both rewarding to present as well as rewarding to attend. 

Ask questions during your presentation and allow time for questions to be asked.  Asking questions of the audience is a method to keep them engaged, on tract and ensure that they are truly digesting the material.  Keep the questions simple and never try to stump anyone.  The questions should be like slow-pitch softballs or ducks in a barrel; easy questions that change the tone for the students as well as maintain focus.  Also allow questions to be asked. Never proceed so fast through the material that students are lost within the first thirty minutes or leave a question until the end of the day from a section that was covered during the first hour.  Remember, this is the students’ course, not yours. Always make it about them and not yourself. 

Always say thank you. Seems simple, but many times the course concludes and the final statement is “Any questions?”  Take the time at the start of the presentation, and the conclusion, to thank the audience, the host agency and any sponsors that may be included; as they are the reason you are standing up in the front of the room.  Also, share your contact information. Many times students want to reach out after class with a question or follow up, the simple sharing of e-mail allows for this contact and continued learning after the session is over. 

As instructors we have the responsibility to make sure we are doing it right. “Right” is making sure every time we have the opportunity to present we are fully respectful of it by presenting relevant material that will impact the students.  Always strive to be the instructor you would want to take a class from, never take lightly your role as an instructor, it is a great honor and privilege.

---
Brian Zaitz is a fifteen-year student of the fire service, currently assigned as the Captain-Training Officer with the Metro West Fire Protection District.  Brian is an instructor with Engine House Training, LLC, as well as an instructor at the St. Louis County Fire Academy.  Brian holds several degrees including an Associates in Paramedic Technology, a Bachelors in Fire Science Management and a Masters in Human Resource Development and is currently an Accredited Chief Training Officer and student of the NFA’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

Don’t Neglect The Culture

http://station-pride.com/2015/11/12/dont-neglect-the-culture/

Make Your Priorities ROCK!

“Things that matter least should never be at the mercy of things that matter most.” -Goethe There is a presentation I've seen a few times at seminars that illustrate the point of this article. The presenter has a jar, rocks, sand and water. The challenge is to get all of the rocks, sand and water into the jar. Some folks start with water and add the sand and rocks; however, this method only spills the water out of the jar. Others start with the sand but fail to fit all the rocks successfully in the jar. The successful method is to put the big rocks in first, then add sand to fill in around the rocks and finish by adding the water. In the hierarchy of the experiment, the rocks represent the most important components followed by sand and water being the least important. If we properly apply principled priorities to guide our day to day decisions we are productive beyond measure. I've been guilty of looking at my day and making things that matter the least, matter the most; which leads to a day that will fall short of productive. In our EMPOWER model series the “O” is for ORGANIZE PRIORITIES. If you notice, this component of the model is in the middle and holds the balance in the EMPOWER model. Mastering principled priorities is the secret to successful personal leadership. Priorities are different for everyone, so it's a good idea to spend some time mediating and reflecting to identify priorities unique to your life. There are a few universal priorities that affect us all, health, relationships and spiritual development to name a few. When these, along with a few other universal priorities are fed and developed, our wholeness doesn’t starve.  Feeding wholeness in personal leadership should be a life long habit. No one ever finishes the task of wholeness because we will all die falling short. Working and feeding our priorities is like being a gardener; a true gardeners work is never done because as soon as the garden is picture-perfect, pulling weeds is eminent. We prune for perfection; however, who we become in the process is where the prize can be found. The quality of our personal leadership is rooted in how well we organize and work priorities. Things that matter the least can insidiously take over your day to day habits. Our personal leadership habits have to resist the seduction of putting things that matter the least in the place of things that matter the most. When we strengthen ORGANIZING PRIORITIES we increase our value personally and for all we influence. We develop a roadmap that will reveal pitfalls not seen by those who fail to organize priorities. There have been opportunities that on the surface were very appealing and gave the appearance of something valuable; however, because of my crystal clear vision of my priorities I was able to pass on the opportunity because it did not fit with my priorities. I know for a fact that if I did not have my big rocks identified I would have surely picked the opportunity that would have led to abandoning my priorities. This habit done chronically will lead to low productivity in things that matter. The meditation and preparation to identify the big rocks is not always popular but quality investment will pay dividends beyond your expectations. When empty activity rules and quality productivity suffers we can waste a lot of time compensating instead of using the time wisely to build. Time is our most valuable resource and everyone gets the same 24 hours a day. Big rock decisions makes the difference between life fulfilled and life unfilled. EMPOWERED leaders understand that as they master this principle, personally they can be a witness to their team  and receive maximum productivity from the team. A question I’m usually asked about this priority is “If we spend so much time in productivity how will I be able to enjoy life?”.  To answer the question:  I have found when I properly organize priorities and execute, I free up time to be spontaneous without guilt and a pressing task to come back to. Prioritize your finances and fund spontaneity. Prioritize your health and enjoy saving a ton on prescription medicines, hospital visits and use of sick time. Prioritize your spiritual well being and reap the benefits of inner peace, sharper mind, better decision making and better connectivity to the public we serve. Prioritize your relationships and create lasting meaningful bonds that help keep each of you sharp. Prioritize identifying value in each relationship so your associations are unstoppable when it comes to working together. Identify the common big rocks that can lead to moving mountains. ORGANIZING PRIORITIES takes practice and is not a technique or a quick fix. This principle requires consistent attention. Most cannot recognize principled priorities at first, but after time and meditation they will reveal themselves. A mature practice of this principle will create abundance in all of your tangibles and intangible resources. The number one problem expressed by many is, its hard enjoying a consistent good quality of life because of time and money. ORGANIZING PRIORITIES gives us an abundance of both. This leads to peace of mind which leads to a better spirit which leads to wholeness. EMPOWERED whole firefighters who master personal priorities are better for their professional roles. If more production of things that matter is important to you then don’t quit until the big rocks theory is part of your DNA. Remember our experiment? All elements matter (rocks, sand and water) but you control the quality and direction of your priorities. You ROCK and your life will ROCK when you ORGANIZE PRIORITIES.   --- Larry Conley is the president and lead instructor of Leadership Development Concepts, LLC. He travels the country to present his popular and compelling program, ZERO TO HERO Personal Leadership (Powered by GLUE). The concept of GLUE (Growing Leaders Using Empowerment) was born in the fire service, where Larry successfully juggles many leadership roles.   Larry’s initiative and creativity are put to work in his roles as: Captain of the St. Louis Fire Department (Truck 13C); President of the Parkway Gardens Neighborhood Improvement Association; Chief Instructor for the Highlander Fire Academy St. Louis Community College at Forest Park; Director at Large for the ISFSI (International Association of Fire Service Instructors); President of the Supervisory Committee and Board Member St. Louis Firefighters Credit Union; and Co-Chair of the Fire Education Subcommittee Missouri Community College Association.