Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table
Episode 61: Dan Shaw, Assistant Chief (ret.) - Command Mindset
Release Date: January 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 61 of Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table, host Berlin Maza sits down with retired Assistant Chief Dan Shaw to delve into the intricacies of leadership within the fire service. The discussion centers around Shaw's extensive career, his leadership philosophies, the importance of a command mindset, continuous learning, and the essential role of mentorship and feedback in cultivating effective leaders.

Background and Career Journey

Chief Dan Shaw shares his humble beginnings and the serendipitous path that led him to the fire service. Starting as a volunteer in Howard County, Maryland, in 1992, Shaw quickly found his passion for firefighting, a commitment that spanned nearly three decades until his retirement in July 2024. His dedication saw him rise through every rank in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, ultimately leading 1,500 personnel as the Assistant Chief of Operations.

Notable Quote:
"I'm the first one in the fire department in my family. I stumbled upon firefighting in high school trying to fulfill a community service requirement, and it was love at first sight."
— Chief Dan Shaw [04:48]

Leadership Philosophy: Mission First, People Always

A central theme of the conversation is Shaw's motto: "Mission First, People Always." He emphasizes the paramount importance of the mission to save lives while equally prioritizing the well-being of the team. Shaw criticizes the common hierarchy taught in recruit schools, advocating instead for a balanced approach where the mission and people are mutually reinforcing.

Notable Quote:
"The only reason we're here together in this virtual world is because we share this common bond of our mission that we took a voluntary oath to do, which is to save people's lives in the worst day of their life."
— Chief Dan Shaw [00:01]

Command Mindset and Presence

Shaw elaborates on the concept of a command mindset, underscoring the importance of preparedness, adaptability, and humility in leadership roles. He advises that leaders should always have multiple plans (Plan A, B, C) and be ready to pivot when situations evolve unexpectedly on the fireground.

Notable Quote:
"Command and control is when you just can focus on things before the fire. And then when you get to the fire, you see that all come to fruition."
— Chief Dan Shaw [24:18]

Continuous Learning and Mastery

Highlighting the necessity of ongoing education, Shaw advocates for leaders to be perpetual students of their trade. He encourages reading a diverse array of materials, including NIOSH reports and leadership literature, to gain insights and avoid complacency. Shaw introduced his "Seven Steps of Mastery," a framework focusing on crucial fireground skills such as communications, positioning, water supply, and ventilation.

Notable Quote:
"Great leaders are readers. Not all readers are great leaders, but those leaders who read, they continuously learn and apply those lessons."
— Chief Dan Shaw [31:13]

Feedback Culture: Giving and Receiving

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the importance of a robust feedback culture. Shaw emphasizes that effective feedback should be constructive, encouraging individuals to self-assess and identify areas for improvement. Similarly, he stresses the necessity for leaders to remain open and humble when receiving feedback, setting an example for the entire team.

Notable Quote:
"If I can ask someone to rate their performance and guide them to find their own improvements, that's truly empowering."
— Chief Dan Shaw [53:05]

Mentorship and Succession Planning

Shaw underscores the critical role of mentorship in developing future leaders. He advises emerging leaders to seek mentors actively and for current leaders to invest time in guiding their subordinates. This approach ensures a continuous pipeline of capable leaders who are well-equipped to handle future challenges.

Notable Quote:
"Your job is now to make sure that you have trained all those people. I'm responsible for that crew, and I want every firefighter I work with to be a better chief than me."
— Chief Dan Shaw [61:23]

Celebrating Accomplishments

Recognizing the importance of morale, Shaw advocates for regularly celebrating the achievements of team members. He believes that acknowledgment and affirmation not only boost individual morale but also strengthen the overall cohesion and effectiveness of the team.

Notable Quote:
"We focus so much on celebrating our losses than we do our wins. Why are we not doing that more and more?"
— Chief Dan Shaw [72:19]

Final Thoughts and Lasting Leadership Insights

As the conversation wraps up, Shaw reiterates the foundational principles that have guided his leadership journey. He emphasizes living by a strong motto, prioritizing the mission and people equally, being open to change, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and mentorship.

Notable Quote:
"Never forget the fire always gets a vote. That should be enough motivation for us to never be asleep at the wheel."
— Chief Dan Shaw [73:26]

Conclusion

Episode 61 offers a comprehensive exploration of effective leadership within the fire service, guided by Chief Dan Shaw’s extensive experience and thoughtful insights. From emphasizing the balance between mission and people to advocating for a strong feedback culture and continuous learning, Shaw provides invaluable lessons for both emerging and seasoned leaders. His commitment to mentorship and celebrating team accomplishments serves as a testament to fostering a resilient and effective firefighting community.

For more insights and resources from Chief Dan Shaw, listeners are encouraged to visit chiefdanshaw.com and follow him on Instagram @ChiefD.Shaw.

Listen to the full episode here.