Beyond the Flames

Conflict is a basic human interaction—it has been since our cavemen ancestors fought over who got to sleep in what cave. So naturally, conflict is a common occurrence in the fire service. And it can be a good thing, if certain steps are taken to ensure that conflict is constructive.
But more often than not, conflict is nothing more than lots of shouting that puts both sides no closer to a resolution or agreement.
We all know those firefighters, the ones who are constantly involved in conflict in your department. They’re the veterans who don’t want to drill, constantly complain, are slow to adapt to change, or they’re the probies who just graduated from the academy and know everything there is to know about anything they may encounter.
These firefighters can be a challenge to maintaining the morale of the department. In an age where it’s harder than ever to get volunteers, who wants to come to a firehouse full of constant bickering?
Conflicts can arise from any number of issues, but two main ones are prevalent when it comes to firefighters: competition and opinion. Firefighters are constantly competing for positions, rights and responsibilities. They want to be in control of a situation. The lead candidate for an officer’s spot can cause individuals to create conflict in an attempt to look better than another person.
But people looking for advancement aren’t the only ones with opinions. Each firefighter in a firehouse has one, and some are more inclined to share than others. But rather than discussing differences civilly, shouting, frustration and a lack of acceptance that one may not always be right can fuel the fire.
Often, communication is the key factor in determining whether conflict can become positive or not. A lack of effective communication results in nothing but frustration and confusion. The only way to make a conflict into something with a positive outcome for both sides is to take a step back and not make the situation feel confrontational.
Be sure to listen to both sides of an argument before coming to a conclusion. Too often, those involved are too busy thinking about what they’ll combat their opponent with next than listening to what they’re saying now. If you aren’t hearing the other side out, you aren’t going to get anywhere.
Leaders in departments are often the source of much conflict, whether it is between other officers or members of the department as a whole. When making decisions that cause conflict amongst members, leaders must accept that they can’t please everyone. Someone will always disagree, and often they’ll express their opinion to you heatedly.
But be firm in your decision-making. Flip-flopping on every decision because somebody doesn’t like it results in poor leadership, and a loss of respect from your members.
Your department will become and remain to be dysfunctional. Explain your reasoning, and be able to back it up. Make your decisions based on what the right thing to do is, not what’s the most popular.
Often, those with differing opinions have something to offer one another. It can help members grow as firefighters, and become a stronger department. But treating your counterpart as a challenge and not a tool for learning benefits no one. Take a step back and listen during your next “conflict.” You might just learn something new. Stay safe.
Knoll, 22, of Eldora, can be contacted by email at beyondtheflamescmc@gmail.com. He is a student at Rowan University.