When Things Get Hot: How to Lead Like a Fire Chief
By Allyson Pratt
“Grabbing life by the horns” -- Ideen has been fortunate to
cross paths with a Texan who does just that. During a recent trip to Austin,
Texas, we had the unique experience of meeting the chief of Austin’s Fire Department -- Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr. On 31 May 2013, a
group of young and eager cadets of the Austin Fire Department made their way
across the stage to receive badges that confirmed an end to a long, exhausting
six months of training at Austin’s Fire Academy. Administering the badges was
Chief Kerr, Austin’s first female fire chief.
My first impression of Chief Kerr: commanding presence, constant
smile, genuineness. A female chief in a male-dominated field is an impressive
feat; her enthusiasm and energy completely won over her audience. I couldn’t
help but want to know a little more about her.
Fortunately, Chief Kerr was gracious enough to answer a few
post-ceremony questions, via email, about the evolution of her exciting career.
As I sifted through her responses, I was impressed with how leadership
qualities permeated every answer, qualities that are applicable to leaders in
any field.
We felt it important to share them with you here:
Inspiration -- Initially, Chief Kerr was a physical
education teacher and coach until a friend suggested she apply to the Fort
Lauderdale Fire Department. The idea intrigued the fourth-generation fire
fighter, though she says it was not her first career choice in life. She
explains, “...I came to realize that sometimes, the second or third choice ends
up being the best one.”
Keeping the door of opportunity wide open could lead you
somewhere you never thought you could be if you didn’t try. I love this, because
I don’t know anyone who has stuck with one job without wondering about
different avenues.
Confidence -- It’s key, right? It sounds obvious, but it
can be harrowing to pull up your work boots in the face of adversity. As Chief
Kerr explains, “As a woman in a predominantly male field, I have faced many
challenges and struggles. Women in the fire service have to work harder, and
will be more closely scrutinized, than their male counterparts.” She advises
anyone, women particularly, with apprehension about applying for this job to
embrace their vision and ability and to be swayed by no one.
Unfortunately, folks in the professional world are sometimes
judged on things outside typical job parameters. The importance of believing in
your ability and playing to your strengths could mean the difference between
success and defeat.
Stay positive -- When negativity surfaces in the media or
elsewhere in her profession, she offers a simple coping solution: smiling.
Chief Kerr maintains it will “make you feel better in any situation--just
smile!” Why not?
She may be on to something, as smiling has been confirmed by
research to improve your mood. The bottom line is, staying positive will not
only help carry you through any sudden hell that arises in your career, but it
will also benefit the mood of employees or co-workers.
Balance -- Chief Kerr talks about help outside the
office: “Surround yourself with individuals who are encouraging, positive,
uplifting, and love what they do, and remember, life is all about balance. I work
hard to stay healthy, eat well, take care of myself, and have a fulfilling
personal life outside of work. I seek advice from friends, family, co-workers,
and even those who don’t always agree with me. The more brains at the
table sharing ideas, the better!”
Commitment -- Regarding leadership qualities she looks
for in other people, honesty, loyalty, courage, respect, and integrity were the
winners. She demands the same qualities of herself.
In leading by example, one commits herself to inherent values
and earns the respect of those following in her footsteps.
Chief Kerr says the most rewarding thing about her job is
“working with awesome people in the best city in the country.” Perhaps we’re
not all cut out to be fire chiefs, but when we adopt the right attitude and
make the right impressions, we can certainly lead like one. If we unearth our
confidence, exude constant positivity, maintain a balance of personal and
business life and, perhaps most importantly, commit ourselves to this daily,
who’s to say we can’t?
