Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table: Episode 62 Summary

Title: Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table
Host/Author: Berlin Maza
Episode: Ep. 62: Spencer Davis, Captain - Credibility & Team
Release Date: January 27, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 62 of Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table, host Berlin Maza, alongside Deputy Fire Chief Bill Mack, engages in a profound dialogue with Captain Spencer Davis. Joined by Battalion Chief Jared Sergey, a former guest and author of No Nonsense Leadership, the conversation delves deep into essential leadership themes within the fire service, including team building, credibility, reputation, and navigating career transitions.

Guest Background

Captain Spencer Davis is a seasoned firefighter with 18 years of dedicated service, primarily with the City of Norfolk, Virginia. A fourth-generation firefighter, Spencer has extensive experience in heavy rescue operations and serves as a rescue specialist on FEMA Urban Search and Rescue’s Virginia Task Force 2. His role extends beyond firefighting as he instructs for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and Take the Door Training LLC, focusing on special operations.

Battalion Chief Jared Sergey, a current Norfolk Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief and author, co-hosts today's discussion, bringing his insights from both leadership and frontline experiences.

Team Building

A central theme of the episode is team building, with Captain Davis emphasizing the importance of creating a team that members genuinely want to be part of.

“If you're building a team that people truly want to be a part of, then they're going to do the things that you ask of them simply because they want to be there, they want to be successful, they want to have a good time.” — Captain Spencer Davis [33:04]

Key Points:

• Camaraderie and Relationships: Building strong, personal relationships within the team fosters trust and cooperation. Captain Davis highlights, “you have to take the time as an officer and really have to get to know your people.”

• Cultural Immersion: Immersing oneself in the firehouse culture, understanding team members’ personal lives, and engaging beyond work-related topics are crucial for team cohesion.

• Team Pride: Establishing pride in the team’s assignment and operations boosts morale and performance. Captain Davis notes, “whatever I am is what my plan is, they’re going to be the best.”

Credibility and Reputation

Maintaining credibility is vital for effective leadership within the fire service. Both Captain Davis and Battalion Chief Sergey discuss strategies to build and sustain a solid reputation.

“Leadership is a skill. If you want to be good at it, you have to develop that skill by taking classes and failing.” — Battalion Chief Jared Sergey [51:36]

Key Points:

• Consistency in Performance: Leaders must exemplify the behaviors and competencies they expect from their team. Captain Davis mentions, “if you can just take that time and truly… get to know who they are,” emphasizing the need for genuine interaction.

• Mentorship and Role Models: Finding mentors who exemplify strong leadership can significantly influence a leader’s development. Captain Davis recounts how a senior firefighter inspired him: “I want to be like that guy.”

• Handling Promotion Transitions: Both leaders stress the importance of maintaining credibility when transitioning to higher ranks. Battalion Chief Sergey advises, “don’t run from your past,” advocating for self-awareness and humility.

Leadership Challenges

Transitioning into leadership roles presents unique challenges.

Captain Davis shares his journey from lieutenant to captain, highlighting the weight of responsibility and the necessity of delegation.

“You have to quickly build relationships with the folks that you're stationed with, and you have to kind of push some of that off onto them and do it as a team effort.” — Captain Spencer Davis [73:44]

Key Points:

• Responsibility and Accountability: As leaders ascend in rank, they must embrace greater responsibility for their team’s performance and well-being.

• Delegation Skills: Effective leaders recognize the importance of delegating tasks to trust their team members and foster a collaborative environment.

• Navigating New Roles: Leaders must adapt to their new roles by building trust and ensuring that their team remains focused and cohesive despite changes.

Action Items and Advice

Both Captain Davis and Battalion Chief Sergey offer actionable advice for current and aspiring leaders in the fire service.

Captain Spencer Davis:

1. Immerse Yourself in the Profession: “You have to immerse yourself in the culture. You have to learn about it. You have to, you know, really study the craft and all that's out there.”

2. Build Strong Relationships: Engage with your team on a personal level to foster trust and camaraderie.

3. Continuous Learning: Utilize resources like Audible for leadership development and stay updated with the latest in fire service practices.

“Leadership alone is just another discipline, and you have to sharpen that skill.” — Captain Spencer Davis [84:01]

Battalion Chief Jared Sergey:

1. Develop Leadership as a Skill: “Leadership is a skill. If you want to be good at it, you have to develop that skill by taking classes and failing.”

2. Embrace Vulnerability: Be open to feedback and willing to acknowledge and learn from mistakes.

3. Promote Self-Awareness: Encourage leaders to reflect on their actions and continuously seek improvement.

Leadership Challenge and Recommendations

Captain Davis challenges listeners to further the leadership conversation by nominating future guests who exemplify strong leadership in the fire service. He recommends Lt. Randy Jernigan Jr., a respected leader from a neighboring city, highlighting his extensive experience and impactful leadership during critical incidents like the Champlain Towers collapse in Miami.

“He's just a very highly respected guy. He's, he's always pushing, pushing the envelope, pushing things forward…” — Captain Spencer Davis [77:11]

Closing Thoughts

In their concluding remarks, Battalion Chief Sergey emphasizes resilience and dedication amidst the evolving challenges in the fire service, urging leaders to focus on their roles and contribute positively to their teams. Captain Davis reiterates the importance of viewing leadership as an ongoing discipline, encouraging continual growth and adaptation.

“Getting promoted is not the finish line. It is truly like, it just restarts your career at each level.” — Captain Spencer Davis [84:01]
“When the bay doors go up, you are the only person that's going out there to perform those skills…. Be a practitioner.” — Battalion Chief Jared Sergey [82:24]

Key Takeaways

• Team Building is foundational for creating a motivated and cohesive firehouse.
• Credibility is earned through consistent performance, genuine relationships, and continuous self-improvement.
• Leadership is a skill that requires active development, mentorship, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
• Career Transitions should be approached with humility, openness to feedback, and a focus on team success.
• Continuous Education and Immersion in the fire service are essential for personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Captain Spencer Davis [00:01]: “This job is just a game of relationships and building and expanding on those relationships…”
• Battalion Chief Jared Sergey [03:08]: “Every leader or officer is a leadership development program in their Organization…”
• Captain Spencer Davis [33:04]: “If you're building a team that people truly want to be a part of…”
• Battalion Chief Jared Sergey [51:36]: “Leadership is a skill. If you want to be good at it, you have to develop that skill…”

For those looking to cultivate strong leadership within their fire service careers, Episode 62 offers valuable insights and practical advice from seasoned professionals dedicated to fostering effective and credible leadership within their teams.