Summary of Podcast Episode: Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table
Episode: Ep. 55: Dave McGlynn, Fire Chief - The Training Officer
Release Date: October 19, 2024

Introduction

In the 55th episode of Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table, host Berlin Maza engages in an in-depth dialogue with Fire Chief Dave McGlynn, a seasoned professional in fire and emergency services since 2001. The conversation delves into the intricacies of leadership within the firehouse, emphasizing the pivotal role of training officers in shaping effective teams and fostering continuous development.

Guest Background

Dave McGlynn brings a wealth of experience from both municipal and federal fire and emergency service roles. His career progression includes positions as a firefighter, driver, operator, company officer, training officer, and operations chief. McGlynn is not only an accomplished fire instructor and public speaker but also an author of the book "The Training Officer: Do You Have What It Takes?". Additionally, he hosts the Fire Engineering Podcast: The Training Officer and serves on advisory boards for FDIC and Fire Engineering.

Early Career and Personal Development

McGlynn shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey to ascending the ranks in the fire service. Born in the early '80s to baby boomer parents, he highlights the blend of traditional values with a progressive mindset that has shaped his leadership philosophy.

[04:54] "Success is done by looking in a mirror, not by looking out a window."

He recounts overcoming personal challenges, such as struggling with EMT certification, by shifting focus inward rather than blaming external factors. This introspective approach fueled his resilience and dedication, ultimately leading him to his current role as Fire Chief.

Role of Training Officers

The discussion pivots to the essential functions of a training officer within the fire service. McGlynn emphasizes that training is not merely about logging hours but ensuring quality education that translates into effective performance on the job.

[25:50] "If you're training people poorly, you could have a thousand hours per individual, but they suck at their job, so you suck it as a training officer."

He asserts that true leadership manifests when trainees exhibit the skills and conduct expected of them, reinforcing that the effectiveness of training is measured by tangible performance outcomes.

Key Qualities of Effective Training Officers

McGlynn outlines several critical attributes that make a training officer successful:

1. Humility and Confidence

   • Humility: Recognizes that they do not possess all the answers and values the expertise of their team members.
   • Confidence: Maintains authority and command in training settings, ensuring respect and adherence from trainees.

   [19:21] "You have to be humble, but you also have to be confident."

2. Continuous Learning

   • Training officers must remain students themselves, continually updating their knowledge to effectively develop others.

   [19:14] "You have to keep learning. How are you going to effectively develop others if you don't know the updated content and curriculum?"

3. Educator Mindset

   • Focuses on succession planning and empowering others to surpass their own capabilities.

4. Positive Influence

   • Recognizes the immense responsibility of influencing trainees positively, avoiding negative impacts that can hinder performance and morale.

5. Mutual Trust

   • Builds a foundation of trust, ensuring that trainees believe in their training officer's intentions and capabilities.

   [36:11] "Mutual trust is you believe they have the capabilities of doing the thing and you're going to try to give them that nudge."

The Training Officer Podcast

McGlynn discusses the evolution of his podcast, originally titled "Networking with Dave McGlynn", which he rebranded to "The Training Officer" to better reflect its focus. The podcast serves as a platform to share insights on personal and professional development, training methodologies, and the importance of psychology and sociology in training programs.

[15:12] "Everybody has a training officer. Everybody resonates with what that means."

He highlights the value of digital platforms in expanding the reach and impact of training discussions, allowing for a broader exchange of knowledge beyond geographical constraints.

Role of Books and Continuous Learning

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the importance of reading and continuous self-improvement. McGlynn recommends several leadership books that have influenced his approach:

1. "The 26 Critical Lessons Every Leader Should Know" by John Maxwell

   • Emphasizes learning from mistakes and adapting strategies accordingly.

2. "Command Presence" by Frank Ritchie

   • Offers insights from both management and union perspectives, valuable for handling labor relations.

3. "Rescue Me" by Jesse Quinaulti

   • Focuses on the human resources aspect of leadership, exploring sociological factors in team management.

[64:28] "You have to be a student. You have to keep learning."

McGlynn underscores that leaders should not confine themselves to a single genre but should seek diverse knowledge to better understand and lead their teams effectively.

Advice for New Firefighters

When addressing newer firefighters, McGlynn advises them to embrace their inherent influence and actively participate in training and mentorship roles:

[53:18] "If you want to get promoted here one day, you better be involved with training."

He encourages new recruits to share their fresh knowledge and experiences, positioning themselves as mentors to enhance the team's overall competence and cohesion.

Advice for Emerging Leaders

For aspiring company officers and training officers, McGlynn emphasizes the significance of continuous education and self-development:

[56:11] "Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers."

He advocates for setting reading assignments and engaging in mock training sessions to build confidence and refine instructional skills. This proactive approach ensures that emerging leaders are well-prepared to handle both the technical and interpersonal aspects of leadership.

Perspectives on Chief Officers

McGlynn reflects on his role as a Fire Chief, highlighting the balance between operational responsibilities and administrative duties. He stresses the importance of never forgetting one's roots and maintaining a genuine connection with the team.

[73:02] "Never forget where you came from and understand that, that there's two certainties in life and especially it resonates with the fire service."

He advocates for a leadership style that prioritizes the collective good, emphasizing teamwork and mutual respect over individual accolades. McGlynn shares his challenges and sacrifices in the chief role, underlining the need for passion and dedication in high-responsibility positions.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In closing, McGlynn challenges listeners to maintain their passion and engage in preventative maintenance for their personal and professional well-being. He reiterates the essence of leadership in the fire service: being a positive influence, fostering mutual trust, and continuously developing oneself and others.

[78:23] "Never lose your passion. Find a new way to fall in love with this every day."

He encourages participation in events like FDIC and promotes his own resources, including his book and podcasts, as tools for ongoing leadership development.

Notable Quotes

• On Effective Teaching:

  [00:01] "You're not a teacher unless they're learning... if you're not a developer and an instructor, you're not teaching."

• On Continuous Learning:

  [19:14] "You have to keep learning... you are responsible to educate people."

• On Humility and Confidence:

  [19:21] "You have to be humble, but you also have to be confident."

• On Mutual Trust:

  [36:11] "Mutual trust is you believe they have the capabilities of doing the thing and you're going to try to give them that nudge."

• On Leadership Responsibility:

  [34:03] "You are in a position of influence... your power relies heavily on your responsibility to others."

• On Never Forgetting Your Roots:

  [73:02] "Never forget where you came from... it's a we, not me thing."

Conclusion

Episode 55 of Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table offers profound insights into the role of training officers and the broader spectrum of leadership within the fire service. Fire Chief Dave McGlynn articulates a vision of leadership grounded in continuous learning, humility, mutual trust, and a steadfast commitment to team development. His experiences and recommendations serve as a valuable guide for current and aspiring leaders aiming to foster excellence and resilience within their organizations.

Connect with Dave McGlynn:

• Book: "The Training Officer: Do You Have What It Takes?" available at Firefighter Book Club or Amazon.
• Podcast: The Training Officer Podcast
• Social Media:
  • Twitter/X: @chief_mclynn
  • Facebook: Dave McGlynn
  • Instagram: Dave McGlynn
  • LinkedIn: Dave McGlynn
• Upcoming Event:
  • FDIC April Conference: Early bird registration available. McGlynn will be teaching sessions on training officer competencies.

Remember: Effective leadership is a journey of continuous growth, self-awareness, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of your team and community.