Episode Summary: Ep. 71: Matthew Love, Fire Chief - The Whole Package of Leadership
Podcast Information:
- Title: Leadership Conversations @ The Kitchen Table
- Host/Author: Berlin Maza
- Description: Captain Berlin Maza & Deputy Fire Chief Bill Mack engage with leaders across various professions and industries to discuss leadership at the firehouse kitchen table. Guests share their leadership journeys, philosophies, and actionable insights to help both emerging and seasoned leaders grow.
- Episode: Ep. 71: Matthew Love, Fire Chief - The Whole Package of Leadership
- Release Date: May 19, 2025
Introduction
[00:01] Matthew Love (Chief Love):
Chief Love opens the conversation by emphasizing the fundamental principle of leadership: understanding who you truly serve. He challenges traditional hierarchical perceptions by asserting, "The higher position you hold, the more people you work for. Who are you doing all the work for? It's the people of your community, it's your employee group, it's the troops, it's the people out there doing it."
[00:55] Berlin Maza (Host):
Berlin introduces the podcast's theme, focusing on leadership from diverse perspectives, aiming to "build more leaders" through shared stories and experiences.
Guest Introduction: Fire Chief Matthew Love
[01:17] Berlin Maza:
Provides a comprehensive background of Chief Matthew Love, highlighting his nearly three-decade-long service in local government, multiple leadership roles, and significant accolades. Chief Love's academic achievements include a Master of Science in Leadership and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School. His contributions to leadership development extend beyond his fire department through publications and immersive leadership platforms.
Dual Roles and Current Position
[04:37] Matthew Love:
Shares his current dual roles as both Fire Chief and interim City Administrator due to a recent transition. He explains that while this period has been challenging, it has provided him with a broader perspective on leadership and community service.
[05:06] Berlin Maza:
Playfully inquires about Chief Love’s availability, noting his dual responsibilities. Love humorously responds, highlighting the rarity of his Sundays off unless a significant incident occurs.
The Whole Package of Leadership (WP)
[05:52] Matthew Love:
Introduces the core topic: "The Whole Package of Leadership" (WP). He explains that WP encompasses leadership as a blend of failures, continuous learning, and the true essence of servant leadership. Love recounts his journey from understanding basic leadership concepts to delving deeper into Robert K. Greenleaf’s servant leadership model.
[06:23] Matthew Love:
Reflects on the challenges of articulating servant leadership, noting, "It's becoming more of a buzzword," and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between servant leadership and servitude. He introduces his unique acronymic approach: L + M × SH = WP, where:
- L stands for Leaders who cast vision.
- M represents Managers who develop processes and systems.
- SH denotes a Servant's Heart.
- The combination forms the Whole Package of Leadership.
Notable Quote:
"The higher position you hold, the more people you work for." — Matthew Love [00:01]
Embracing Failures in Leadership
[13:58] Berlin Maza:
Poses a critical question on the role of failures in leadership, especially in environments where such acceptance isn't prevalent. He asks, "How can an emerging leader embrace failure and use it as a learning point if their superiors don't share the same philosophy?"
[13:58] Matthew Love:
Responds by highlighting the importance of a cultural framework that allows for controlled failures, drawing parallels to the fire service’s Recruit Academy. He shares the concept of an "Expectations Agreement," developed inspired by his wife's "Expectations Agreement" in teaching, which sets clear protocols for handling conflicts and mistakes constructively.
[21:09] Berlin Maza:
Encourages the idea that mentorship and leadership come from all levels, emphasizing the value of "leading up" and fostering relationships where emerging leaders can contribute ideas without undermining the hierarchy.
Notable Quote:
"Servant leadership is anything but easy, and it’s anything but without pain." — Matthew Love [13:58]
Leading Up and Mentorship
[25:06] Paris Maza:
Inquires about the effectiveness of emerging leaders attempting to lead up, especially across generational divides within the fire service.
[25:57] Matthew Love:
Discusses strategies for "leading up," such as using respectful language ("I wonder what would happen if we tried this") and creating environments where team members can share their expectations and ideas openly. He shares the success of rotating leadership presentations during staff meetings, allowing team members at all levels to influence leadership practices.
Notable Quote:
"When leaders get better, everybody gets better." — Matthew Love [25:06]
Vision and the Long Game
[29:38] Matthew Love:
Explains the critical role of vision in leadership, linking it to the "why" behind actions. He illustrates how a clear and compelling vision helps teams navigate complex and chaotic environments by providing purpose and direction.
[33:31] Matthew Love:
Addresses the balance between explaining the "why" and building trust. He believes that continuously communicating the vision and its underlying reasons is essential for maintaining alignment, even as trust in leadership grows over time.
Notable Quote:
"Leadership is to love people a little bit." — Matthew Love [44:35]
Parenting Analogy in Leadership
[38:57] Matthew Love:
Draws a powerful analogy between leadership and parenting, emphasizing that like parents, leaders often make decisions for the greater good of their team members, even if those decisions aren't immediately appreciated. He likens servant leadership to "good parenting," where actions are taken for the long-term benefit of those being led.
[43:10] Matthew Love:
Shares personal anecdotes about balancing leadership responsibilities and familial obligations, reinforcing the idea that true leadership requires selflessness and a genuine desire to nurture and support others.
Notable Quote:
"Sometimes the toughest parts of leadership and parenting alike is the kicking and screaming of those you serve in the process of getting them to success." — Matthew Love [41:32]
Leadership Development Strategies
[54:47] Matthew Love:
Outlines tangible leadership development initiatives he has implemented, including:
- 15 Minutes of Leadership: Short, rotating leadership presentations during staff meetings led by different team members.
- Leaders Lunch: Brown-bag lunches featuring leadership-focused video presentations followed by discussions.
- Book Clubs: Group reading and discussion of leadership books, despite some resistance due to the "school-like" format.
He emphasizes the importance of making leadership development dynamic and adaptable to suit diverse learning preferences within the team.
[57:44] Berlin Maza:
Questions the initial reception of these initiatives and how Chief Love navigated challenges in gaining buy-in.
[58:32] Matthew Love:
Reflects on the organic versus structured implementation of these programs. He notes that when initiatives arise organically, they tend to have better participation and acceptance. He acknowledges the need to continually evolve these programs to maintain engagement and effectiveness.
Notable Quote:
"Leadership development can't just come from the people with badges on their collar. It can come from any level." — Matthew Love [54:47]
Advice for Emerging Leaders
[62:11] Matthew Love:
Offers key advice to new firefighters and emerging leaders:
- Optimism: Believe in the value of mentorship and the goodness of leadership roles.
- Seek Mentorship: Actively seek out and engage with mentors who are willing to invest in your growth.
- Assume Goodwill: Approach leadership interactions with the assumption that leaders have the team's best interests at heart.
[64:35] Matthew Love:
Extends advice to more seasoned emerging leaders, emphasizing the importance of:
- Long-Term Focus: Prioritize the development of team members for sustained success.
- Adaptability: Be open to feedback and willing to adjust leadership strategies.
- Resilience: Stay committed to leadership despite challenges and setbacks.
Notable Quote:
"Invest in leaders that are willing to pour into you, and open yourself up to it." — Matthew Love [62:11]
The Challenges of Leadership
[68:08] Matthew Love:
Acknowledges the inherent difficulties of leadership, such as not being universally liked and making tough decisions that may not be immediately appreciated. He reinforces the importance of staying true to one's purpose and maintaining a servant’s heart, even when facing opposition or criticism.
[70:07] Berlin Maza:
Encourages sharing personal leadership stories, leading into Chief Love’s fondest "kitchen table" memories.
[70:29] Matthew Love:
Shares a memorable story of a captain who exemplified servant leadership by balancing administrative duties with genuine care for his team. This captain would stay late to handle administrative tasks, ensuring he never let his leadership responsibilities detract from his connection with the crew.
[73:33] Berlin Maza:
Inquires about the captain’s recognition and the impact of his actions on the team.
[73:55] Matthew Love:
Describes how the team reciprocated their appreciation through support and assistance, fostering a culture of mutual respect and dedication.
Notable Quote:
"Leadership is to love people a little bit." — Matthew Love [44:35]
Final Thoughts and Leadership Challenge
[80:08] Matthew Love:
Concludes with a heartfelt message on the essence of leadership:
- Purpose-Driven: Stay rooted in the mission to serve and care for others.
- Continuous Improvement: Leaders must constantly develop themselves to better serve their teams.
- Resilience: Embrace the challenges of leadership as opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
[81:46] Berlin Maza:
Thanks Chief Love for his insights and wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to apply the discussed leadership principles in their own careers.
Leadership Challenge
Chief Love challenges listeners to engage with Executive Chief Tim Kreiss of the Phoenix Fire Department, recognizing his exemplary leadership and innovative approaches within a renowned fire department. He emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and continuous learning in effective leadership.
Notable Quote:
"We deserve to have the best leaders. We deserve to have leadership in everything we do." — Matthew Love [80:08]
Key Takeaways
- Servant Leadership: True leadership focuses on serving the community and team members, not merely managing tasks or hierarchical positions.
- Whole Package (WP): Effective leaders combine visionary leadership, competent management, and a genuine servant’s heart.
- Embracing Failures: Controlled and learning-oriented environments allow teams to grow and improve despite setbacks.
- Vision and Purpose: A clear, compelling vision aligned with a deeper "why" drives long-term success and team alignment.
- Adaptability in Leadership Development: Leadership programs must evolve and cater to diverse learning styles to remain effective.
- Resilience and Purpose: Leaders must stay committed to their mission, even when facing opposition or personal challenges.
Notable Quote:
"Leadership is hard. It’s tough work, but it’s absolutely worth it." — Matthew Love [80:08]
For More Information: To connect with Chief Matthew Love or learn more about his leadership initiatives, visit the St. Cloud, Minnesota Fire Department’s official website.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 71, highlighting Chief Matthew Love's profound insights on comprehensive leadership, the importance of servant leadership, embracing failures, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and mentorship within organizations.