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John Vance, Nick Brunacini, and Terry Garrison explore how fire service leaders can lend perspective to firefighters who possess education but lack experience, focusing on effective leadership approaches that protect firefighters while enabling them to deliver service.

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This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on June 5, 2025.

We explore how perspective in leadership impacts firefighter safety and organizational effectiveness.

• The transition from firefighter to company officer to battalion chief requires significant perspective adjustment at each level
• Explaining consequences versus making threats – good leaders predict outcomes rather than impose punishments
• Today's firefighters are smart and have instant access to information but lack the experiential perspective of veteran firefighters
• Consistent messaging from leaders about expectations creates a culture of safety and accountability
• Leading from appropriate distance – knowing when to intervene versus when to step back and assess
• The responsibility leaders carry to families who trust them with their loved ones' safety
• Labor groups and administration working together toward common goals benefits everyone
• Effective leaders handle difficult situations by identifying critical factors before acting
• Training is where perspective is most effectively shared with inexperienced firefighters
• Be safe, be effective, be nice – simple consistent messaging that guides fire service behavior

For more resources on fire service leadership, visit bshifter.com.

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

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Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on June 5, 2025.

We explore how perspective in leadership impacts firefighter safety and organizational effectiveness.

Join us for part 2 next week

• A number of firefighters involved in recent line-of-duty deaths were between 25-30 years old
• Danger exists when leaders prioritize being "cool" over passing down hard-earned wisdom
• Effective leadership requires the ability to say "no" in hazardous situations
• Perspective naturally evolves with experience and knowledge
• Tactical supervision (the middle command layer) is critical during extended operations
• Accountability and kindness are not mutually exclusive leadership traits
• Consistency in leadership approach across all contexts maintains organizational integrity
• Operating within effective systems prevents freelancing and improves safety outcomes
• After-action reviews are essential for continuous improvement and perspective development

Join us next week for part two of this special podcast on leadership and perspective in the fire service.

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This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance.

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

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John Vance and Josh Blum deliver the Blue Card Rundown for May 2025, covering educational opportunities and system enhancements for Blue Card users and instructors. They highlight new training initiatives, conference information, and tools designed to improve command effectiveness and firefighter safety.

• Big Box Workshop successes featuring Shane Ray from the National Fire Sprinkler Association
• Mayday Workshop focusing on prevention rather than just management
• Hazard Zone Conference details for September 30-October 3 at the Sharonville Convention Center in Ohio.
• New Blue Card Command Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Train-the-Trainer program launching in June
• After Action Reporting system gaining traction as a tool for targeted improvement
• New data export feature for instructors to easily track student certification status
• Silverback Leadership Series adding new modules connecting firehouse culture to fireground success
• Multiple Train-the-Trainer opportunities available through the end of 2025

Visit bshifter.com to register for the Hazard Zone Conference, workshops, and to access all the new Blue Card resources.