It goes without saying that the fire service is full of policies and guidelines for just about every situation. Unfortunately, what is often unaddressed is the psychology in the firehouse. Morale is the key ingredient in all workplaces, but what do you do when it hits rock bottom? There are many reasons for dips in morale. Let’s focus on one of the most common but rarely talked about situations in every fire department—the proverbial rock to the bottom: missing the promotion.
Almost every single one of us who has been around the fire service for more than a few years has felt the sting of missing a promotion. The fallout is often associated with our mentality going into the promotional assessment. For the members who “took the test to take the test,” the fallout usually isn’t as severe. They enjoy their position and often remark they did it for “the experience.” In no way is this a bad idea. That experience is critical for possible future assessments. Their minds may change, and now they have the confidence to know that they just got a little more experience.
The most devastating downfall after a promotion is often associated with those who thought they had it, were absolutely salivating for the position, or had previously been doing the position even though they have the title of a lower rank.
We’ve all seen the post-promotion look. One walks a little taller, ascends to the new role, and celebrates with close friends and family. Those who didn’t make it try to hold their chin high, but their eyes tell all. There is a sadness about them. They walk a little slower, grumble to some close friends, and ultimately go through the motions of work. Unfortunately, going through the motions is a way to promise that they will never get a promotion again.
I, personally, fell into the latter. For the second time, I had taken a swing and whiffed for the position I knew I wanted. For the second time, I had to figure a way back up. If I was to use more sports metaphors, it takes a lot of heart to pull yourself off the canvas the first time. Then do it a second time? It felt nearly impossible when I missed getting the position I wanted so badly.
Being a student of psychology, I sat at rock bottom and developed a plan to work my way back. The first step is to let the devastation happen. This doesn’t mean you become a disgruntled worker; it means you experience the experience. Quite simply, you acknowledge the pain and talk to close friends and family about how it feels. To deny it, fake smiles, and act unaffected, although noble, will lead to resentment, low morale, and eventually an ineffective member of a team.
The worst impact of the devastation always happens right away. Processing pain doesn’t remove all the pain. Instead, it helps prevent future resentment. The second step is to take a step…away. This means quite literally that it is time to get out of town. By removing yourself from your fire department’s environment for even a small little trip, it helps lift the fog of war. New perspectives open and you realize how small that microcosm of your fire department world really is.
During that trip, take time to do what brings you peace. Spend time outside and with loved ones. There is a reason people often second-guess their whole lives after a vacation. Without even knowing it, we get used to living a high-stress work life. After a few days on a trip, our heart rate starts to slow down, we begin to feel the stress lift and we realize what is truly important.
After you have taken that small step back, now it is time to come back stronger. Identify your weaknesses in the promotional assessment. Focus on making those assessments your strength. A great book to review in such a situation is Anthony Kastros’ Mastering the Fire Service Assessment Center.
At this point, you can make your weaknesses your strengths and make your strengths even stronger. Become an assessment center powerhouse. Use the motivation of the feeling you had to propel your progress. Spend time going through interviews with different officers or a mentor that you trust. If there is a skill portion, practice that skill on repeat. It will translate to the assessment center and also to the fireground.
The next step is to build your resume. No matter how strong your resume is, there is always room for improvement. Take time to take those classes you have been avoiding. Yes, they may not be thrilling, but they can help strengthen your resume. In turn, it will make you a more well-rounded firefighter.
Finally, find your passion again. It is often easier said than done, but a simple way to do it is to take a class (not just resume focused), or teach a class, that represents one of the main reasons you joined the fire service. There are many paths to the same summit, and often we get so lost on the promotional path that we forget why we are here in the first place.
If you follow these steps, much of the hardship that you felt will be turned into not only being a productive firefighter but also a productive member of your team—all of which represents qualities in someone we would all like to see promoted.
As for me? I followed these steps to the “T.” I was able to turn the feeling of being at the absolute career bottom into a productive way back. With unbelievable help from a great mentor, I was able to get that promotion.
No matter what the rank, these steps can help get you to your dream position. If you are feeling that hurt of missing a promotion, the time to turn it around starts now.
