Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 07/22/08
FSC157 20064-20086	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Developing Leadership Skills for the Fire Service
Qualities required to work in fire service in the future. Identification and development of qualities, traits, skills, and aptitudes conducive to success in the fire service and to be a leader at the entry-level of fire service organizations. Perspectives from fire service history, culture, and future trends with an emphasis on the changing face of fire service in the United States. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
FSC157   20064-20086	Developing Leadership Skills for the Fire Service

1.	Describe the changing profile of firefighters from a historical perspective. (I)
2.	Describe five unique characteristics of fire service culture. (II)
3.	Describe several unique leadership challenges and opportunities found within the fire service. (III)
4.	Define servant leadership. (III)
5.	Explain the difference between qualities and values. (IV)
6.	Describe the impact personality and strengths have on developing a personal leadership philosophy and style. (V)
7.	Describe the benefits of developing relationships between the fire service and the community it serves. (VI)
8.	Explain the impact of positive union and management relations on a fire department organization. (VI)
9.	Describe effective conflict management and decision making skills as they apply to organizational conflict. (VII)
10.	Explain the moral, legal, and personal benefits of being a culturally diverse organization. (VIII)
11.	Explain how stereotypes and assumptions can undermine effective communications. (IX)
12.	Explain how the leader of an organization deals with resistance to change. (X)
13.	Describe how the use of imagery impacts performance. (XI)
14.	Describe the key aspects of effective goal setting. (XI)
15.	Explain the organizational and personal benefits of being a lifelong learner. (XII)
16.	Describe five components of total wellness. (XIII)
17.	Analyze corporate case studies, and describe the impact of quality customer service. (XIV)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
FSC157   20064-20086	Developing Leadership Skills for the Fire Service

I. Historical Perspective of Fire Service A. Origins and evolution B. Traditions C. Changing profile of firefighters D. Customer expectations E. Everything to everyone F. Change or die G. What will the future look like? II. Fire Service Culture A. Blue collar workforce (traditional vs. modern) B. Intelligent, diverse, educated, proud, and tough C. Family atmosphere D. Value of tradition E. Role models for the community F. Sense of community G. Unique career lifestyle H. Paramilitary organizational structure III. Leadership in the Fire Service A. Defined B. Levels C. Unique leadership challenges and opportunities D. Leadership history: Lessons learned E. Leadership styles F. Servant leadership IV. Developing a Personal Leadership Philosophy A. Competencies of great leaders B. Traits of dynamic leaders V. Self-Assessment A. Identifying personal values B. Understanding other's values C. Value-driven leadership VI. Relationships Between Labor and Management A. Trust B. Mutual respect C. Golden rule D. Effort = results E. Personal, professional, tolerable F. Bridges: Burning and building VII. Decision-Making A. Value based decisions B. Critical thinking decisions C. Knowledge + experience = wisdom D. Conflict management E. Fatal decisions F. Thomas Killman Survey VIII. Diversity A. Colors of America B. Lessons learned C. Legal, moral, and personal benefits of diversity D. Twelve ways to better team building IX. Communications A. Male verses female perspectives B. Listening skills C. Hearing vs. understanding D. Stereotypes and assumptions X. Change Agents A. Defined and explored B. Damnation by resistance to change C. History: Lessons learned D. Personal change E. Power of vision XI. Mental Aspects of Performance A. Power of the mind B. Goals: Pursuit of excellence C. Mental toughness D. Self-discipline E. Accountability F. Gremlins to success G. Performance pressure H. Getting over yourself I. Motivation J. Emotions: Servant or master? XII. Lifelong Learning A. The danger of "knowing it all" B. Fire service culture: good and bad C. Organizational benefits D. Personal benefits E. Learning options XIII. Wellness for Life A. Balance B. Physical 1. Nutrition 2. Cardiovascular 3. Strength 4. Flexibility 5. Core strength C. Mental 1. Stress management 2. Relaxation 3. Counseling services D. Emotional E. Spiritual XIV. Customer Service A. Defined B. Internal and external C. Value to the organization D. Value to self E. What does the customer want? F. What does the customer remember? G. Private sector H. Public sector I. Case studies

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