A Leader’s Job

Surviving the job happens one day, one shift, and one call at a time. Having each other's backs sets a team apart from a crew. The Bag takes you on that journey for just one shift.

Following up is a leader's responsibility. There is never enough time, never enough man hours, and certainly never enough patience to get everything finished. When Johnny was assigned to administration, rather than command of an engine company, he resented the chief's decision. Johnny paid his dues, he waited until he was ready, and he should be on a truck, not carrying the maintenance chief's water.

The work remains the same, from day to day, from tour to tour, year to year. Yet, every day is something new, different, and something to learn from. A standard approach to the job, day in and day out is crucial. If you do it the same way, every day, your team can depend on you meeting the standard daily. It is when the standard isn't met, a minimum isn't the standard, and it may not even be just enough. When you only go so far in meeting the standards, your lifeline may only go so far. You have to ask yourself every day, is just so far good enough?