While reading an article1 about violence that occurred in Baltimore, Maryland, an observation about the “broken window” theory2 caught my eye: “If a window in a building is broken and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken.” Although that theory concerned sociology and police procedures in the United States, it provided for me an “ah ha” moment as I applied it to the fire service and the dynamics in the firehouse. A fellow firefighter can be that “broken window” in our fire stations, and doing nothing to “repair” him can lead to additional “broken windows.”
Think about your own department or station. Is there a firefighter who is difficult to work with or lacks respect for fellow firefighters and officers? Often, although this member is extremely knowledgeable and capable in his duties and abilities, his continued attitude or behavior regularly undermines the station officer and makes the work environment difficult and unpleasant. This member may give his input in a situation (whether it was asked for or not) that almost always reflects a better way to accomplish the goal (again, whether such advice was solicited or not). If the officer chooses not to use the firefighter’s suggestion, that member may choose to step away, become even less of a team player, and exhibit an even more questionable attitude.
The station officer may have to be more direct in confronting the firefighter. Unfortunately, in many circumstances, the officer chooses not to challenge the individual for many reasons. The officer may not want to engage in conflict or may be weak in interpersonal skills and can be intimidated or does not want to be the bad guy and document the firefighter’s continued behavior on paper.
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