firemedicgm
07-18-2005, 02:27 PM
I have been through the entire interview process for a fire chief position (paid chief of an otherwise all-volunteer dept). This would not be a "promotion" situation as I am currently a volunteer firefighter with a department in a different part of the state.
Now, I'm just waiting. The city's original plan was to have someone in place by June 1. I have been contacting them periodically (every couple of weeks) to check in, and to let them know I am still interested. A couple weeks ago, I offered to come back for an additional interview if it would help, and to meet the city council, township trustees, mayor, etc., so that they would have an opportunity to meet me, ask questions, and address any concerns, but they haven't taken me up on this.
All of my general career training tells me to give them all the time they need, be patient, be courteous, and check in periodically in a very non-assertive manner.
My question is this: Is it appropriate in this case to continue to politely check in and keep waiting, even if it takes another 7 weeks? Or, is it time to be more assertive? When I become the fire chief, I can't do my job by sitting around and waiting for things to happen - I have to be assertive. I have to take the bull by the horns and get the job done. I can't be passive.
So, do I step it up a bit, or would that be too pushy? On one hand, it may show that I am proactive and ready to tackle whatever comes my way. On the other hand, I may be seen as a pest. Maybe my offer to meet the council was assertive enough?
Any thoughts?
Now, I'm just waiting. The city's original plan was to have someone in place by June 1. I have been contacting them periodically (every couple of weeks) to check in, and to let them know I am still interested. A couple weeks ago, I offered to come back for an additional interview if it would help, and to meet the city council, township trustees, mayor, etc., so that they would have an opportunity to meet me, ask questions, and address any concerns, but they haven't taken me up on this.
All of my general career training tells me to give them all the time they need, be patient, be courteous, and check in periodically in a very non-assertive manner.
My question is this: Is it appropriate in this case to continue to politely check in and keep waiting, even if it takes another 7 weeks? Or, is it time to be more assertive? When I become the fire chief, I can't do my job by sitting around and waiting for things to happen - I have to be assertive. I have to take the bull by the horns and get the job done. I can't be passive.
So, do I step it up a bit, or would that be too pushy? On one hand, it may show that I am proactive and ready to tackle whatever comes my way. On the other hand, I may be seen as a pest. Maybe my offer to meet the council was assertive enough?
Any thoughts?