Leadership: A Bridge to Culture

Author: Christopher Ayer, Corona De Tucson Fire Department

Can one person change an organization? At first, it may seem like an impossible task, akin to Atlas carrying the universe for eternity. But could we be overestimating the weight of this challenge? Perhaps we are all Atlas and just don't realize it yet.

Can two people or a small group influence the direction of an organization? Could they shift the culture of an agency with hundreds of employees toward positivity? I've been on a championship-caliber team that couldn’t win a game. You'd think they were different teams, but it was the same team. Positive culture and key leadership from individuals and a head coach can have a profound impact when building a team. Going from winless to conference championship may sound like a made-for-TV movie, but it's possible—I was part of it.

We study, read, and discuss leadership routinely and constantly as we progress from FFT1 to ENGB. If you are reading this, you are seeking a better understanding of leadership. There are podcasts, books, and TED Talks devoted to the subject. But how do we take these philosophies and apply them to functional change in our workplaces, apparatus, and crews?

Culture is the summation of leadership. All the study, self-growth, and practice aim to create a positive, winning culture. It's hard to define and even harder to put into words. Isn't it what we are all trying to achieve by becoming leaders? A positive culture promotes growth and knowledge, creating a safe and secure environment where people want to work. The work is efficient and smooth, and people enjoy it; they go the extra mile. People reminisce about crews or teams that had this positive culture and tell stories about it. Conversely, a negative culture is easy to spot, with in-fighting, toxic behaviors, and negativity. People talk about it just as much, sharing stories about bad bosses or dysfunctional crews. We've all seen that crew or team and thought, "I'm so glad I don't have to work with them."

Back to my original question: Can one person create that change? Could two people really transform a toxic team into a place where people want to work? Yes, because culture, like leadership, is about relationships and influence. Being positive and motivated is contagious. It is daunting and doesn't happen overnight, but those actions are the catalyst for improvement. My personal experience has shown that a positive culture is paramount to individual success and team achievement. Championship-level teams work at a much higher level and more efficiently than winless teams. The same is true in the fire service—a crew with a great culture will outperform a dysfunctional one every time, and with a smile on their faces. Our mission is to scratch lines and plumb in progressive packs, and eventually, with a lot of work, put out the fire. If our crews are doing this with a smile and enjoying their teammates, the work will go smoother, and more will be accomplished, with the added bonus of fulfillment from being part of the team.

So, can you change your team or your agency? The answer is – yes. Leadership is the role that initiates the process of creating a positive culture. Communication, respect, personal and professional growth are the building blocks of leadership and culture. Many of us undertake the journey of leadership to change things we don't like, but ultimately, these leadership goals are the first steps in improving culture.

If you want to start thinking about culture and how it can be grown or changed, check out: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle.

Christopher Ayer is a Firefighter/ Paramedic/ Engine Boss Trainee/ Wildland Coordinator for Corona De Tucson Fire Department in Tucson, Arizona. The expressions and views are those of the author.