I’m going to take a wild guess here and say you’ve got someone in your firehouse who’s a “Dictator of Details,” an “Overlord of Overseeing,” or maybe even a “Captain Clutch.” Whatever you call them, one thing’s for sure: they’re making one of the cardinal sins of leadership—micromanaging.
It’s no secret that firefighting is serious business and shouldn’t be taken lightly—especially when lives are on the line and discipline is crucial. But let’s be honest: nothing says “I’m in control” like micromanaging every tiny detail while your crew stands there, wondering if the truck will make it to the fire before you finish your latest round of inspections.
So, as a leader, how can you chill out a bit and dial back on the micromanaging? Well, I’m a firm believer that it starts at the top and trickles down to the lieutenant. Wait, did I just point the finger at the big boss again? Yep, sure did... but there’s a good reason for that.
The Chief sets the tone, right? Think about it for a second. If the Chief is micromanaging every move, it’s like a bad game of telephone that trickles down the chain of command. Next thing you know, the first-line supervisors are just copying the same playbook, because, hey, it’s easier to follow the boss's lead than deal with the fallout of not… micromanaging.
I’ve seen this more times than I can count over the years. You walk into a firehouse, and the first thing you notice isn’t the smell of smoke or the sight of shiny trucks—no, it’s the tension in the air. The crew is so tightly wound they look like they might spontaneously combust. Why? Because every move they make is under the microscope of a "detail-obsessed" boss who thinks the fire won’t get put out unless every hose is coiled with the precision of a NASA launch countdown.
But let’s be real: when every firefighter in the station feels like they need to triple-check their coffee order for fear of it being scrutinized, something’s gone off the rails. And you can bet that same micromanagement mentality is trickling down. Next thing you know, your rookie is spending more time double-checking inventory sheets than learning how to handle a nozzle.
So, what’s the solution? Well, if you’re in charge, it’s time to lead with trust—not control. Allow your team to make decisions. Let them figure out the best way to respond to calls without second-guessing every choice. Trust me, when they’re fighting fires, they don’t need a “Dictator of Details” shouting from the sidelines about how they should tie their boots.
For those “Captain Clutches” out there who can’t seem to step back, here's a little secret: the fire department isn’t a reality TV show where you can edit every shot to perfection. In the real world, there’s some chaos, some mess, and yeah, even some mistakes. But that’s where the growth happens.
And if you want to turn things around, try this little exercise: walk into the firehouse, take a deep breath, and resist the urge to point out every single thing that’s “wrong.” Let the crew do their thing. You might be surprised at how much gets done when you’re not breathing down their necks.
Now, micromanaging might make you feel like a hero in the short term, but it’ll only turn you into the villain in your crew's eyes. So, go ahead, take a step back, and let your team handle the heat. After all, they’ve got the training, the gear, and—most importantly—the trust to get the job done. And when the fire’s out and the job’s complete, you can pat yourself on the back for knowing when to let go... and then go ahead and inspect the hose roll one more time.
As always, watch over each other and stay safe. -Dr. M
