Episode Summary: Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table
Episode: Ep. 70: Steve Lea, Deputy Chief - Empowerment
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: Berlin Maza
Introduction
In Episode 70 of Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table, Captain Berlin Maza and Deputy Fire Chief Bill Mack engage with Deputy Chief Steve Lee of the Cocoa Beach Fire Department in Florida. The discussion centers around empowerment and perspective in leadership, offering valuable insights for leaders at all stages of their careers.
Guest Background
Deputy Chief Steve Lee brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. A lifelong resident of Brevard County, Steve began his firefighting career right after high school, obtaining his EMT and fire certifications from Eastern Florida State College. Since joining Cocoa Beach Fire Department in 2008, he has ascended through the ranks from firefighter EMT to his current role as Chief of Operations. Steve holds multiple degrees in Fire Science and a BA in Public Administration, underscoring his commitment to education and leadership within the fire service.
The Essence of Empowerment in Leadership
Steve Lee emphasizes empowerment as a cornerstone of effective leadership. He advocates for situational leadership, adapting one's approach based on the context and needs of the team or situation.
“Empowerment is the most common leadership trait that I have... everybody has good ideas, you know, and this idea that like the, the two or three or four people at the top of your organization should be making every single decision is just not the way to progress.”
— Steve Lee [07:14]
Steve highlights the importance of breaking down silos within organizations. By encouraging team members to learn from external sources and bring new ideas back, he fosters an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
Cultivating a Culture of Empowerment
A significant part of the conversation delves into the culture shift within the Cocoa Beach Fire Department. Under Steve's leadership, the department transformed by empowering individuals at all levels to contribute to decision-making processes.
“We changed the entire culture of this department in the last 15 plus years.”
— Steve Lee [08:30]
Key strategies included involving firefighters in designing trucks, participating in the hiring process, and contributing to the building of new stations. This approach not only enhanced ownership and pride among team members but also ensured that the practical insights of frontline personnel influenced operational decisions.
Succession Planning and Professional Development
Succession planning emerged as a critical theme. Steve discusses the importance of hiring the right people and providing them with the necessary support to grow into leadership roles. The Cocoa Beach Fire Department’s robust education policy plays a pivotal role in this process.
“We are big on education here, first and foremost. Most of our guys are teched out or almost all teched out.”
— Steve Lee [18:35]
By offering continuous training and allowing personnel to pursue specialized certifications, the department ensures that emerging leaders are well-prepared to take on greater responsibilities. Steve underscores the necessity of feeding these individuals with resources and opportunities to sustain their growth and commitment.
Continuous Reflection and Growth
Steve emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning in leadership. Utilizing tools like QA notes, he consistently evaluates his performance and seeks areas for improvement.
“Grow in the ring, it's imperative that you learn from your experience, good or bad... you're constantly reflecting then that's the only way that you're going to get better and you're going to grow.”
— Steve Lee [30:51]
This commitment to reflection ensures that leaders remain adaptable and responsive to both their team's needs and the evolving demands of their roles.
Career Pivots and Mentoring
A pivotal moment in Steve's career was a transformative call that prompted him to re-evaluate his path within the fire service. This experience led him to join the Cocoa Beach Fire Department, marking a significant career pivot that shaped his leadership philosophy.
“That was probably the biggest pivot for me... and then the rest is history.”
— Steve Lee [35:43]
Mentoring plays a crucial role in Steve's leadership approach. By actively encouraging and challenging his team members, he fosters a culture where individuals feel supported to pursue their potential.
Leadership Advice for Emerging Leaders
When addressing new firefighters and emerging leaders, Steve offers practical advice centered around listening, patience, and dedication:
“Talk less and listen more... try to be the best at whatever you're doing.”
— Steve Lee [44:31]
He advocates for focusing on the process rather than the end results, aligning with philosophies like Bill Walsh’s emphasis on concentrating on what will produce results rather than the results themselves.
Recommended Reading: "Ego is the Enemy"
Steve recommends "Ego is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday, highlighting its relevance to leadership within the fire service. He underscores the dangers of unchecked ego and the value of humility and self-awareness.
“Ego is so important, man. I think beating it comes with age sometimes.”
— Steve Lee [50:08]
This book serves as a reminder that effective leaders must recognize and manage their egos to foster a collaborative and respectful environment.
Handling Conflict and Ego
The conversation addresses the challenges of conflict resolution and the necessity of addressing issues early to prevent escalation. Steve emphasizes that having difficult conversations is essential for maintaining a healthy team dynamic.
“Those conversations are never easy, but if you're not having them, you're doing them a disservice.”
— Steve Lee [52:07]
By tackling conflicts head-on, leaders can mitigate negativity and maintain a positive, productive workplace culture.
Fond Kitchen Table Memories and Impact
Steve shares a heartfelt memory of his promotion to Deputy Chief, highlighting the support and appreciation he received from his team.
“They gave me a letter, you know, really heartfelt letter. It was awesome.”
— Steve Lee [54:01]
This moment underscores the deep relationships and mutual respect within the department, reinforcing the impact of his leadership style on his colleagues.
Leadership Challenge
In a commendable move, Steve challenges his Chief Justin Grimes to join the podcast, acknowledging his mentor’s role in shaping the department’s culture.
“He was instrumental in creating the culture here that we have today.”
— Steve Lee [57:28]
This gesture exemplifies Steve’s commitment to fostering leadership and recognizing the contributions of others within the organization.
Closing Thoughts
Steve leaves listeners with a powerful reminder about the essence of leadership:
“Never forget where you come from, who you serve, and why you're here.”
— Steve Lee [58:33]
This sentiment encapsulates his leadership philosophy, emphasizing service, humility, and purpose as fundamental to effective leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Empowerment as a Leadership Trait: Empowering team members fosters innovation, ownership, and a collaborative culture.
- Culture Change Starts from Within: Encouraging input and participation at all levels can transform organizational culture.
- Succession Planning: Investing in education and professional development ensures a robust pipeline of future leaders.
- Continuous Reflection: Regular self-assessment and feedback are crucial for personal and organizational growth.
- Mentorship and Challenging Status Quo: Actively mentoring others and being open to new ideas drive progress and resilience.
- Handling Conflict: Addressing conflicts early prevents escalation and maintains a positive work environment.
- Humility Over Ego: Recognizing and managing one’s ego is essential for effective and respectful leadership.
- Service-Oriented Leadership: Keeping the focus on serving others ensures that leadership actions align with organizational and community goals.
Conclusion
Episode 70 of Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table offers a profound exploration of empowerment in leadership through the experiences and insights of Deputy Chief Steve Lee. His approach—centered on empowerment, continuous learning, and servant leadership—provides a compelling model for leaders across all sectors. By fostering a culture of empowerment and prioritizing the growth and well-being of his team, Steve Lee exemplifies the qualities of a transformative leader dedicated to serving his community and nurturing the next generation of fire service leaders.