A Calm Moment

 

Spike Camp - Orleans, CA; credit Christopher Ayer

Radios squawking, people constantly chatting and yelling, diesel engines idling away, and saws humming away in the distance; yet, I’m more content and relaxed sitting listen and relaxing to all the hustle and bustle while waiting to get assigned to our next task. Everybody knows the frantic uptick in radio traffic as IA (initial attack) starts are called out or slop overs are relayed out to everyone on the fire.

As a newly minted Engine Boss Trainee, the experience has definitely been more stressful than I expected. I find myself talking fast and thinking at warp speed. When I look at older seasoned division sups (supervisor) or strike team leaders, they have a never-in-a-hurry way about them. Their briefs are slow and methodical; their communication is flat and unemotional; they convey all the needed information at a rate that every can write down. This command presence creates calm around them. When they need to get stuff accomplished, the job gets done.

Communication is our greatest liability and strength. We have also come a long way in developing uniform terminology and standardizing how we share information through our briefings/debriefings. As a new leader trying to get my feet set, I find myself hustling to share all the information I acquire. My people would be better served if I take 5 minutes to go slowly an methodically through my briefing. The process of exchanging information isn’t a race. Our seasoned overhead have this dialed in. My goal is to learn by example and take some time to gather myself before dumping my thoughts out onto the ground.

How about you? I encourage you to watch your seasoned overhead. Practice being “slow and methodical” when giving your briefings/debriefings. With practice, you will be the one others watch for an example.

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