Every one of you out there reading my words is a member of an organization. That is the way it works in my life. In some cases we belong to more than one organization; I know that's the way it is with me. So that I will not diffuse the focus of this commentary, let's all concentrate on the one type of organization where you and I have a common interest: the fire department.
A great deal of my research over the past twenty years has dealt with just what organizations are and what they seek to do. As the member of a fire service organization, each of you will continually be subjected to the influences created by the three major elements of your fire organization, the same as any other organization. These elements are:
- Organizational Structure
- Organizational Process
- Organizational Behavior
During my many years of fire service experience it has been my understanding that there is one sure guide for you on your way through the rocks and shoals of your organizational ocean. These are the policies that have been established to guide the operation of your particular organization.
It is the wise leader who masters the art of policy development. There is no better way to leave a lasting imprint on your fire department that to take a strong, leadership role in layout your road map to future success. Let your policies serve as the lighthouse to warn your people away from improper actions.
It has also been my experience that you must become intimately familiar with the concept of POLICY and what its impact will be for you, and your fire department. I would like to use an example to assist you in understanding where I am headed with this notion. Would you ever consider starting out on a long journey to a far-away location without a road map? I don
