Shaping Department Culture

In this episode of Outside the Box, we explore how Fire and EMS Leaders can intentionally shape workplace culture. Whether you lead a station, a shift, or a department, culture is happening whether you design it or not.

Our host, Kevin, sits down with returning guest and school principal Kathy, whose leadership in education mirrors many of the same challenges faced in fire and EMS, including limited resources, high turnover, and the need to build strong crews from diverse teams. Together, they delve into the practical aspects of culture, how to build it, maintain it, and steer it when it begins to shift.

Key takeaways

·       Why culture starts with who you hire.

·       How subcultures exist within departments, and why they matter.

·       Creating environments people want to work in.

·       Leadership behavior as a mirror: your crew sees everything you do.

·       How to build crew cohesion.

·       The importance of chain-of-command clarity and how it impacts morale.

·       Clear expectations and consistent follow-through foster trust.

·       Using feedback and reflection to improve yourself and your team

Disclaimer: The Sugar Fire Department, including its officers, employees, and affiliates, shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims, damages, injuries, or losses arising from the use or misuse of the information presented in these videos. Please note that the videos are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers should always adhere to the local protocols set by their agency and Medical Director

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