This week a look at a couple of training opportunities, and a serious discussion about fireground dangerous conditions.
Fireground size-up and safety program being held November 2, 2013 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. See more information at this link. http://petelamb.blogspot.com/2013/10/size-up-training-class-do-you-see-what.html
Second program being held at 7:00 PM Eastern on November 7, 2013 See more information and register here: http://petelamb.blogspot.com/2013/10/online-training-session-firefighter.html
For any more information, comments or questions please contact me at 774-987-9414 and leave a voicemail.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
The dangerous conditions we will talk about are below:
Fire behind, below the attack team
Something that just doesn't feel right on the scene
Limited ingress and egress situations
Unprotected openings
Size of the structure - water versus air supply
Been there too long - operations lasting greater than 10-15 minutes
Bad smoke - wrong color, wrong place, wrong movement
Lack of ventilation
If the crew cannot locate the fire
Floor or roof collapse stairway collapse
Collapse potential construction, occupancy, length of burn, lightweight materials, ankle deep water on floors, parallel chord truss, suspension columns, exposed steel
Electrical hazards gas utilities in general
Pressurized containers
Flying material- bouncing bricks
Uneven terrain
Chimneys
Building overhangs
Flashover and backdraft
Conflicting information from multiple sources
The plan isn't working, standard fire attack broken
Commercial is different from residential
Firefighters that are not ready.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Tactical Fire Problem - Apartment Complex
This week a fire in a garden style apartment complex.
1.) Create a brief initial radio report using the conditions, actions, needs (CAN) format.
2.) The landscape in some of these buildings may not allow apparatus placement as close as you want. What is the length of the stretch for this scenario?
3.) How does your first alarm assignment compare with the apparatus and manpower that will be required to handle this.
4.) Have you preplanned these facilities in your response area? Is there detection? Is there suppression? (Sprinklers) Are there stand pipes available?
5.) What methods will you use to account for all residents that live in the entire building, not just that apartment.
Thanks and stay thinking, and stay safe!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
1.) Create a brief initial radio report using the conditions, actions, needs (CAN) format.
2.) The landscape in some of these buildings may not allow apparatus placement as close as you want. What is the length of the stretch for this scenario?
3.) How does your first alarm assignment compare with the apparatus and manpower that will be required to handle this.
4.) Have you preplanned these facilities in your response area? Is there detection? Is there suppression? (Sprinklers) Are there stand pipes available?
5.) What methods will you use to account for all residents that live in the entire building, not just that apartment.
Thanks and stay thinking, and stay safe!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Understanding Public Perception
My thoughts this week are to shed light on the aspects of public perception of the fire service and my hope is that you can take some of this information and use it within your own department.
Your community's perception, or civilian perception of the fire service in general is based upon a lot of things. The civilian perspective and view of us is one of those external factors that affects us in many ways. The most obvious way is the public funding and support of our department and it's mission. If the public is less than confident in your department or of firefighters in general, then funding and our future can look a lot different.
I think many of us in the fire service would agree that the image of the fire service was high after the events of September 11, 2001. It is my humble opinion that we as a fire service have now probably slipped to a level that we were previous or actually in some cases below that.
My point this week is that if we look at how our perception is formed we might be able to impact this in a positive way.
We are all very familiar with the fire triangle. I am now proposing a discussion on the public relations triangle. This triangle like all others gathers much strength when all the pieces are together but sever any one of the legs and the triangle or image crumbles.
The public Relations triangle is made up of the Department Head (Chief), the individual members, and the union or volunteer organization. The actions of any one of these three will have a positive or negative effect on your department and it;s public perception. Let's take a look at how this works.
The Chief: If the chief is presenting some negative image at meetings at town hall, or within the community somehow, then the folks that have contacted him will have a negative image of the community. If they perceive the chief as distant or aloof then the department could also be cast in that light. Now a fire chief has a fine line to walk, because as a natural course of the performance of their duties they can negatively impact some folks. Take for example a fire chief that attempts to enforce the fire code and inspection procedures, well it is very likely that some business owners may not like him so much and may have adverse thoughts toward the department. I think that this is very different from a fire chief who plays favorites with some business people and some follow the code and others don't. The perceptions are both negative, but one is certainly for a proper and correct reason of enforcing the fire code properly. I ask you to think of local or national things where the fire chief may have negatively impacted their department. Has the chief allowed themselves to be non functional and have they become the weak leg of the triangle?
The individual members: If one of your members has a negative experience either personal or professional it will impact the strength of this triangle. The person on the street as a civilian will say, "Did you see what the firefighter did?" The local newspaper will say " Local Firefighter xyz....Blah Blah" but in any case it will still say firefighter. In one recent case I have seen in the northeast it was actually "Former fighter charged with...." so this leg of the triangle of members might even extend to former or retired members in some cases. If you have large or overweight firefighters, what public perception does that give as it relates to our "readiness". If you have firefighters that may not be there on the department for the right reasons, they may injure your perception by their overt actions or statements in the public.
The Union Local or department organization: When the president of the volunteer organization or the local union president takes actions, those actions become reflective of the entire department. These actions could be and are usually of a public nature to attempt to speak and advocate for the department or the interests of all of the members. It is important to note that most organizations are to look out for the well being of the members, it is very rare that they actually speak for ALL of the members. This results in public statements that might be contrary to the thoughts of individual members, and in may cases adverse to the position of the fire chief. In addition while advocating for their membership, they may be at odds with the public, or the economic realities of the community or area.
What can we do about the public relations triangle? Here are some thoughts. I hate to raise problems without some possible solutions.
First is to be aware that your organization's image has three distinct parts and pieces to it and that any of them are fragile and interdependent so be vigilant of all three to protect your image.
Second if you are a member of an organization or department, remember the old adage, of " Don't embarrass your boss." Your actions on and off duty are scrutinized by the public and the public might not always be fair. It is what it is. Know it and understand it.
If you are a chief and / or a department administrator remember that your individual actions and issues that arise at town hall have an impact on your department. Sometimes as administrators we do not realize that our advocacy for our department can backfire. Life just ain't fair and sometimes politicians will make a "department pay" for the actions of the boss.
If you are the president of the local or the president of the association in a volunteer setting realize that you are not the chief, and the "Us and them" trap is an easy one to fall into. Your actions, statements, and comments will be perceived as coming from the department in general. While your interest is the best for all members, just understand that not every member of your organization will always agree 100% of the time. You may not be speaking for all.
Finally communication is the key to all of the public perception. The member have to know where the boss is going, and the organization or the union has to also be in agreement on the overall department mission. When everyone knows where the bus is headed, it makes the trip go a lot smoother.
Work with all three legs of the public relations triangle to build a strong and unbreakable department image.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Your community's perception, or civilian perception of the fire service in general is based upon a lot of things. The civilian perspective and view of us is one of those external factors that affects us in many ways. The most obvious way is the public funding and support of our department and it's mission. If the public is less than confident in your department or of firefighters in general, then funding and our future can look a lot different.
I think many of us in the fire service would agree that the image of the fire service was high after the events of September 11, 2001. It is my humble opinion that we as a fire service have now probably slipped to a level that we were previous or actually in some cases below that.
My point this week is that if we look at how our perception is formed we might be able to impact this in a positive way.
We are all very familiar with the fire triangle. I am now proposing a discussion on the public relations triangle. This triangle like all others gathers much strength when all the pieces are together but sever any one of the legs and the triangle or image crumbles.
The public Relations triangle is made up of the Department Head (Chief), the individual members, and the union or volunteer organization. The actions of any one of these three will have a positive or negative effect on your department and it;s public perception. Let's take a look at how this works.
The Chief: If the chief is presenting some negative image at meetings at town hall, or within the community somehow, then the folks that have contacted him will have a negative image of the community. If they perceive the chief as distant or aloof then the department could also be cast in that light. Now a fire chief has a fine line to walk, because as a natural course of the performance of their duties they can negatively impact some folks. Take for example a fire chief that attempts to enforce the fire code and inspection procedures, well it is very likely that some business owners may not like him so much and may have adverse thoughts toward the department. I think that this is very different from a fire chief who plays favorites with some business people and some follow the code and others don't. The perceptions are both negative, but one is certainly for a proper and correct reason of enforcing the fire code properly. I ask you to think of local or national things where the fire chief may have negatively impacted their department. Has the chief allowed themselves to be non functional and have they become the weak leg of the triangle?
The individual members: If one of your members has a negative experience either personal or professional it will impact the strength of this triangle. The person on the street as a civilian will say, "Did you see what the firefighter did?" The local newspaper will say " Local Firefighter xyz....Blah Blah" but in any case it will still say firefighter. In one recent case I have seen in the northeast it was actually "Former fighter charged with...." so this leg of the triangle of members might even extend to former or retired members in some cases. If you have large or overweight firefighters, what public perception does that give as it relates to our "readiness". If you have firefighters that may not be there on the department for the right reasons, they may injure your perception by their overt actions or statements in the public.
The Union Local or department organization: When the president of the volunteer organization or the local union president takes actions, those actions become reflective of the entire department. These actions could be and are usually of a public nature to attempt to speak and advocate for the department or the interests of all of the members. It is important to note that most organizations are to look out for the well being of the members, it is very rare that they actually speak for ALL of the members. This results in public statements that might be contrary to the thoughts of individual members, and in may cases adverse to the position of the fire chief. In addition while advocating for their membership, they may be at odds with the public, or the economic realities of the community or area.
What can we do about the public relations triangle? Here are some thoughts. I hate to raise problems without some possible solutions.
First is to be aware that your organization's image has three distinct parts and pieces to it and that any of them are fragile and interdependent so be vigilant of all three to protect your image.
Second if you are a member of an organization or department, remember the old adage, of " Don't embarrass your boss." Your actions on and off duty are scrutinized by the public and the public might not always be fair. It is what it is. Know it and understand it.
If you are a chief and / or a department administrator remember that your individual actions and issues that arise at town hall have an impact on your department. Sometimes as administrators we do not realize that our advocacy for our department can backfire. Life just ain't fair and sometimes politicians will make a "department pay" for the actions of the boss.
If you are the president of the local or the president of the association in a volunteer setting realize that you are not the chief, and the "Us and them" trap is an easy one to fall into. Your actions, statements, and comments will be perceived as coming from the department in general. While your interest is the best for all members, just understand that not every member of your organization will always agree 100% of the time. You may not be speaking for all.
Finally communication is the key to all of the public perception. The member have to know where the boss is going, and the organization or the union has to also be in agreement on the overall department mission. When everyone knows where the bus is headed, it makes the trip go a lot smoother.
Work with all three legs of the public relations triangle to build a strong and unbreakable department image.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Second Online Training Session Firefighter Size-up & Safety - Do You See What I See?
Sign up and register for a training event on Thursday November 7, 2013! This online training session covers principles of size-up and firefighter safety to make all firefighters, and officers more alert and aware on the fireground.
In addition there will be the ability to interact and live chat with me and have the ability to ask specific questions.
Introductory offer for 2 hour training session of only $ 25.00 per student. Class size is limited for the initial programs.
Size Up Training Class - Do You See What I See?
Sign up and register for a training event on Saturday November 2, 2013! This online training session covers principles of size-up and firefighter safety to make all firefighters, and officers more alert and aware on the fireground.
In addition there will be the ability to interact and live chat with me and have the ability to ask specific questions.
Introductory offer for 2 hour training session of only $ 25.00 per student. Class size is limited for the initial programs.
Firefighter Training Podcast - Episode 32 - Leadership, Communication, Discipline.
A look at some principles of leadership, communication issues (off the fireground), and a brief overview of discipline with a fresh look.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
60 Second Safety - Training
This episode is not about training safety, but the application of your training on the incident scene.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Tactical Fire Problem - House fire
This week a fire on floor 2 of an older wood frame residence.
1.) How long will it take you to get a line up to the fire room?
2.) Based upon the possible layout of this home what would that room most likely be?
3.) Where should the second line go?
4.) Could the left side of this house be a separate apartment or in law apartment?
5.) What tactical factors must be considered due to the age and construction of the building?
Stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
1.) How long will it take you to get a line up to the fire room?
2.) Based upon the possible layout of this home what would that room most likely be?
3.) Where should the second line go?
4.) Could the left side of this house be a separate apartment or in law apartment?
5.) What tactical factors must be considered due to the age and construction of the building?
Stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Making Decisions
It appears to me that not only in the fire service but in society in general there is an awful lot of decision making that is being put off by indecision. That is no decisions and subsequently no responsibility is being accepted.
We speak about planning and strategic planning and many other management techniques all of which are very valid. The problem that I am witnessing as evidenced by emails received, is that nobody is making any decisions!
We are going to meetings....we are developing plans, but nobody has an lower intentinal fortitude to act on the plans or forge ahead in any direction. Have a meeting, hire a consultant, develop a plan and maybe I will be retired and not havine to deal with it by the time it comes to fruition.
Decisions must be made!
Set a course of action before you plan, don't plan on a course of action.
When you go on vacation, you decide where you want to go, then you plan how to get there.
I am seeing more and more leaders saying, lets develop a plan first then we will choose an option on what to do based upon the plan.
Make decisions, be flexible, not spineless.
Plans will change and must be modified as time goes by but do not be afraid to be flexible although that is extremely dangerous as it requires you to make even more decisions....yikes!
If you make decisions accept the responsibility for your actions.
Enough has been said about this in society in general but let me ask this simple question. Do you accept responsibility for your own actions and errors. Start with yourself the others might get the hint. Nobody is accepting responsibility for anything it is all about deflecting blame onto someone or something else.
Individual firefighters must be responsible for their own safety.
Individual firefighters must be held liable to follow orders.
Lieutenants and supervisors must be responsible and disciplined and accept responsibility that their subordinates are trained and will follow orders.
Chiefs must be responsible for ensuring adequate training and equipment are provided to their personnel.
City managers must provide the departments the resources necessary to fullfill the tasks they ask of their employees.
At each and every one of the levels I just stated, decisions must be made, and there is responsibility to be accepted, not deflected.
Make decisions, accept responsibility for your actions.
This joke floating around the internet drives the point home.
Firefighter's hobbies are playing basketball.
Lieutenants hobbies are bowling.
Captain's hobbies are playing softball.
Battalion Chiefs and deputies play baseball.
Chiefs go golfing.
Therefore, the higher in the organization you go the smaller your balls get!
(I will apologize now for those that feel insulted!)
Lighten up!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
We speak about planning and strategic planning and many other management techniques all of which are very valid. The problem that I am witnessing as evidenced by emails received, is that nobody is making any decisions!
We are going to meetings....we are developing plans, but nobody has an lower intentinal fortitude to act on the plans or forge ahead in any direction. Have a meeting, hire a consultant, develop a plan and maybe I will be retired and not havine to deal with it by the time it comes to fruition.
Decisions must be made!
Set a course of action before you plan, don't plan on a course of action.
When you go on vacation, you decide where you want to go, then you plan how to get there.
I am seeing more and more leaders saying, lets develop a plan first then we will choose an option on what to do based upon the plan.
Make decisions, be flexible, not spineless.
Plans will change and must be modified as time goes by but do not be afraid to be flexible although that is extremely dangerous as it requires you to make even more decisions....yikes!
If you make decisions accept the responsibility for your actions.
Enough has been said about this in society in general but let me ask this simple question. Do you accept responsibility for your own actions and errors. Start with yourself the others might get the hint. Nobody is accepting responsibility for anything it is all about deflecting blame onto someone or something else.
Individual firefighters must be responsible for their own safety.
Individual firefighters must be held liable to follow orders.
Lieutenants and supervisors must be responsible and disciplined and accept responsibility that their subordinates are trained and will follow orders.
Chiefs must be responsible for ensuring adequate training and equipment are provided to their personnel.
City managers must provide the departments the resources necessary to fullfill the tasks they ask of their employees.
At each and every one of the levels I just stated, decisions must be made, and there is responsibility to be accepted, not deflected.
Make decisions, accept responsibility for your actions.
This joke floating around the internet drives the point home.
Firefighter's hobbies are playing basketball.
Lieutenants hobbies are bowling.
Captain's hobbies are playing softball.
Battalion Chiefs and deputies play baseball.
Chiefs go golfing.
Therefore, the higher in the organization you go the smaller your balls get!
(I will apologize now for those that feel insulted!)
Lighten up!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Firefighter Training Podcast - Communications
This week a discussion about communication. We discuss analog and digital, frequency and spectrum, communication flow, and some priority of communications.
We Also revisit the CAN report.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
We Also revisit the CAN report.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
60 Second Safety - Mental Focus
This week on 60 Second Safety we discuss mental fitness and focus.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Tactical Fire Problem - Car Fire Under a carport.
Is it just a car fire single engine company response as it was dispatched or is it something more? Take a look and you decide.
1.) What is your normal response for a reported car fire? When do you upgrade?
2.) What is your strategy here and what do you do with the first attack line?
3.) What challenges will be encountered if the entire carport becomes involved?
4.) is it likely that a structure such as the one shown might be located up a long driveway or a gated residence?
5.) When you are reviewing your response district look at these carport, canopies, and overhangs and imagine a fire underneath. These could be cars, vans, or delivery trucks.
Thanks, stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
1.) What is your normal response for a reported car fire? When do you upgrade?
2.) What is your strategy here and what do you do with the first attack line?
3.) What challenges will be encountered if the entire carport becomes involved?
4.) is it likely that a structure such as the one shown might be located up a long driveway or a gated residence?
5.) When you are reviewing your response district look at these carport, canopies, and overhangs and imagine a fire underneath. These could be cars, vans, or delivery trucks.
Thanks, stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Leadership.....Some Assembly Required
I often speak about, and I am often asked about what makes a good leader. One of the programs I offer speaks about this very issue, and I will share some highlights of that program here with you.
I truly believe that we become the sum total of all of the leaders and teachers who have influenced our lives in either a good or a bad way. We might have said "Gee, I want to be like that, or said I hope I never turn out like that!" I think that we all know that we take on the charachteristics of those who have influenced us, but it is how we assemble these traits and truly use them in our everyday decision making process.
In order to begin this thought process of thinking like a leader, I ask each one of you to write down five leaders that have affected you either positive or negatively.
The next step always raises a few eyebrows, but here it is....Write a note or an e-mail to the persons listed thanking them for what they have done. If the person has past on, then write a note to a son or daughter that remains and tell them what legacy their love one has left.
Pretty powerful stuff , Huh? I am certain that only a small percentage of you will actually do this but it is an important dramatic step in your life and it will give you very positive feelings to start your leadership journey.
Of the leaders that you listed, do you see some common traits in all of them. They all have common strengths, but their individual weakness all vary. I want you to now take a look at the above named leaders and identify their one weak point or trait. Sometimes when we view role models we don't see their weaknesses.
Another facet of what a leader has to do involves conflict resolution.
Some basic tips that relate to conflict resolution are:
Separate the people from the problem.
Focus on interests not positions.
Generate a variety of options before deciding.
Seek and use objective standards for your decision making.
Leadership is a multi-faceted concept. Although leadership skills can be taught they are best learned through experience.
If you aspire to become a good leader, pick up traits from the good leaders you know and try to apply them in your everyday dealings with others. When dealing with conflicts use the steps above to get to the real problem facing you, not just the symptom.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Firefighter Training Podcast - Episode 30 - Firefighters Memorial and IAFC Rules of Engagement.
The first Sunday in October is designated as the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Sunday. In this episode we read the honor roll of the 81 Lives lost in 2012 with a small tribute.
The second portion of the episode is a review of the Structural Firefighting Rules of Engagement for firefighters and incident commanders. I felt it was important that in order to properly honor those who have given their lives, that we should review some positive safety actions to insure they have not died in vain.
I have left links to the honor roll and the rules of engagement below.
The National Fallen Firefighter Honor Roll : http://weekend.firehero.org/ROH2013.html
The IAFC Rules of Engagement Poster : http://www.iafcsafety.org/image/ROE_Poster.pdf
The version of Amazing Grace used is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Amazing Grace 2011 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a CC Attribution 3.0.
http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100820.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/licenses/
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
The second portion of the episode is a review of the Structural Firefighting Rules of Engagement for firefighters and incident commanders. I felt it was important that in order to properly honor those who have given their lives, that we should review some positive safety actions to insure they have not died in vain.
I have left links to the honor roll and the rules of engagement below.
The National Fallen Firefighter Honor Roll : http://weekend.firehero.org/ROH2013.html
The IAFC Rules of Engagement Poster : http://www.iafcsafety.org/image/ROE_Poster.pdf
The version of Amazing Grace used is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Amazing Grace 2011 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a CC Attribution 3.0.
http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100820.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/licenses/
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
60 Second Safety - The Pump Operator
This week we discuss the pump operator and pumping operations.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Tactical Fire Problem - Fire in an Armored Car Delivery Truck
I don't know if you have thought about a fire or an accident involving this type of vehicle. Take a look.
1.) This fire should be a single handline and pretty straight forward, but is the hood a standard hood or is it reinforced more than usual?
2.) Suppose the driver is not with the vehicle.....is there someone locked in the back?
3.) Is this criminal activity and was this a diversion device and something else is involved?
4.) If this was not a fire but in fact an accident are standard extrication techniques going to work? Will your tools (jaws) work?
5,) What other agencies will be involved in this incident and how might your operation have to be altered?
Thanks, stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
1.) This fire should be a single handline and pretty straight forward, but is the hood a standard hood or is it reinforced more than usual?
2.) Suppose the driver is not with the vehicle.....is there someone locked in the back?
3.) Is this criminal activity and was this a diversion device and something else is involved?
4.) If this was not a fire but in fact an accident are standard extrication techniques going to work? Will your tools (jaws) work?
5,) What other agencies will be involved in this incident and how might your operation have to be altered?
Thanks, stay safe and stay thinking!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
The Johari Window
This week I am revisiting something that can help you be a good leader, or. A good firefighter.
OK so before you think I have snapped and wonder what the hell I am talking about let me at least get the explanation out before you stop reading!
Many years ago in a book called Managing People (now out of print I believe) , there was a small segment about this and my reference for this week is that and my own twisted opinions.
The simple premise is that everyone's personality has two facets to it. The things you know about yourself and the things that everyone knows about you. Think about that for a minute and re-read it so you see where we are going.
The book then breaks it down a little further and says that the things that you know about yourself and the things others know about you that are common are called the Arena. This is your open personality. These are the features of your personality that you and all others that contact you agree upon.
There are then those things that we know about ourselves that are unknown to others. This area is appropriately called the Facade. Think of this as a house where the blinds are drawn. People know something is going on within you but not exactly what.
The third area deserves some focus and that is what I wished to point out this week, The third area is a blind spot. This is a part of us that others know about us but we have little or no idea of it. You might think you are an excellent communicator, well liked and respected. Others find you pushy, you talk too much and can't be trusted.
The blind spot is an area that you have to try to reflect on more and more so that you will interact better with others.
The last segment is the Unknown. This is an area that you don't know about yourself and others do not know about you. This is a situation when you try a new task or work under severe pressure for the first time, people don't know how you will react or handle anything nor do you for that matter.
The real principle is actually much more simple. The more genuine you are and the more people you allow into your Arena, the more you will be more accepted by others.
Take a look inside yourself this week and try to think how you are perceived by others.
Take a look at the textbook Managing People if you have it. Re-read it if it has been awhile. There is nothing more important than the people who you surround yourself with.
It will do some good!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
OK so before you think I have snapped and wonder what the hell I am talking about let me at least get the explanation out before you stop reading!
Many years ago in a book called Managing People (now out of print I believe) , there was a small segment about this and my reference for this week is that and my own twisted opinions.
The simple premise is that everyone's personality has two facets to it. The things you know about yourself and the things that everyone knows about you. Think about that for a minute and re-read it so you see where we are going.
The book then breaks it down a little further and says that the things that you know about yourself and the things others know about you that are common are called the Arena. This is your open personality. These are the features of your personality that you and all others that contact you agree upon.
There are then those things that we know about ourselves that are unknown to others. This area is appropriately called the Facade. Think of this as a house where the blinds are drawn. People know something is going on within you but not exactly what.
The third area deserves some focus and that is what I wished to point out this week, The third area is a blind spot. This is a part of us that others know about us but we have little or no idea of it. You might think you are an excellent communicator, well liked and respected. Others find you pushy, you talk too much and can't be trusted.
The blind spot is an area that you have to try to reflect on more and more so that you will interact better with others.
The last segment is the Unknown. This is an area that you don't know about yourself and others do not know about you. This is a situation when you try a new task or work under severe pressure for the first time, people don't know how you will react or handle anything nor do you for that matter.
The real principle is actually much more simple. The more genuine you are and the more people you allow into your Arena, the more you will be more accepted by others.
Take a look inside yourself this week and try to think how you are perceived by others.
Take a look at the textbook Managing People if you have it. Re-read it if it has been awhile. There is nothing more important than the people who you surround yourself with.
It will do some good!
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Firefighting Roundtable Discussion - Sunday October 6, 2013
This week a little fire prevention talk, and some talk about communications.
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013
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