The Self-Centered Firefighter

Dear Nozzlehead: I work at a medium-size, suburban, career, union fire department. Generally we all get along and it’s a great place to work. The reason I’m writing is because of one employee–an employee whom I reluctantly call a firefighter. For years the rest of us have come in early to relieve each other, but he follows the mantra, “If I’m not getting paid, I’m not arriving early.” He barely does what he’s supposed to do but never anything more–and he never goes out of his way to do anything that isn’t based on the time clock. He focuses on himself–period. Coming in early allows us to avoid traffic and get home–or to our other jobs–quickly. I’m sure you have worked with people like this. What did you do and what should we do?
–Mr. T and the A-Team (Minus One) in the Midwest
 
Dear Mr. T & T,
I’ve been waiting YEARS for someone to write me with a “T” name. FINALLY. Hey, sucka! Shut up, crazy fool! I got no time for the jibba-jabba. Don’t make me mad, Arrrrrgh! I’m on a real short leash here, and I’m tired of your crazy rap! As a kid, I got three meals a day: oatmeal, miss-a-meal and no meal.

Thank you.

When I was growing up, my family was so poor we couldn’t afford to pay attention.

OK, thank you.
 
Now to your issue. When I went back and read some of Mr. T’s best quotes from the TV show, they actually fit your issue. I mean, I pity this fool.

Let’s first look at this from a “legal/by the rules” standpoint and then from a “reality” standpoint.
 
Legally, this guy doesn’t have to show up to work one minute before the moment he is paid; however, he must be fully ready to work at that time. So it’s up to him (and his supervisors) how to figure that out. Being READY has (shockingly) become a critical component of many fire departments. I hope it is at yours. I know, crazy concept. “Mr. It’s All about Me” walking in the door at exactly the start of shift time–he better be ready, whatever “ready” means at your department.

Clearly, fair labor laws state that employees who are paid (vs. volunteer) are entitled to get paid for their hours worked. Let’s dig into that a little bit. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, time clocks are not required. In those cases where time clocks are used, if you voluntarily come in before your regular starting time or remain after quitting time, you do not have to be paid for such periods, provided, of course, that you do not do any work during this time. Early or late clock-punching does not count as hours worked when no work is done. So showing up early to GET READY as a part of the er, um, uhhh, TEAM is a gray area. It’s not really work, but you are AT work … and showing up early is what’s best for all those affected. Rarely have I met a firefighter who doesn’t want to come into work early, to get ready or whatever else. It’s part of appreciating the job. Whoa. APPRECIATING the job and those we work with–how ’bout that?

But note that coming in early is VOLUNTARY. Hold that thought.
 
Now, back to reality–and my realistic opinions. Yes, I have worked with clowns like this before, but not for very long. They usually disappear because of their inability to function in a team environment. I am completely incapable of working with people who aren’t as into the job as I am. I understand that my attitude may cause problems–and it certainly has in my career. I don’t care. I love the job and everything about it and have difficulty understanding those who don’t love it as much–nor do I really want to understand. Go away. Go work somewhere else. Go do something else. This is absolutely not a good vocation or avocation for those who don’t have a love for the job. And that means going the extra mile by going way out of your way, without even thinking that you are. Remember that quote from Backdraft? “The funny thing about firemen is, night and day, they’re always firemen.” That sums it up.

Now, I certainly understand other responsibilities, such as family, friends, side jobs, etc., but quite frankly, if you’re not into this career/volunteer/call/part-time/whatever being a firefighter is defined as in your area, go do something else because this isn’t a job you can do without serious heart.
 
So what do we do with this clock-watcher? Actually, the problem may take care of itself through official performance review; it’s highly unlikely that he’s a stellar employee in other aspects. Unofficially, you can also send him a message that those who don’t give a lot can’t expect to get a lot of favors in return. Need a vacation trade? Forget it. Want me to come in early for you? Yeah, that’ll happen. Note: If you take this approach, you must also exercise caution and common sense. There’s a fine line between denying someone a favor, such as a shift trade, and denying someone their legal benefits, such as a vacation day–just as there’s a fine line between hazing and peer pressure. I’m not suggesting that you create a miserable place to work, but rather that you find a way to communicate that to enjoy the benefits of the team, he needs to be a team player.

I’m sure some of you reading this don’t like those ideas. Then you also may not “get” that this is absolutely a job for teamwork, like it or not. Our mutual trust and respect, which means going out of our way for others on our “team” is what we do. This person is a non-player. To give him the benefit of the doubt, in the non-fire service world there are certainly some fine people who work best on their own, and are able to get things done outside of a fire company framework. But that is NOT an option for any “team”-oriented job. Working outside the team is NOT an option. And as bad as the economy might be, companies consist of more than just ONE person. We hope.
 
“Wow, that was really nasty and mean, Mr. Nozzlehead. All these comments just for a person who doesn’t come in to work early?”

Absolutely, Timmy. Coming in early or the failure to want to is just the tip of the iceberg for a person who will probably bring other “It’s all about me” issues to the organization as time goes on. Coming in early is one of those good, time-honored, positive traditions that defines who is (and who isn’t) genuinely a part of the team. It’s that little extra, a little “give back” that’s very demonstrative of who that person truly is.
 
While company officers and chiefs should consider all of the “city hall”-style options with Mr. Me, Myself and I, I see little to no future with this person. He either needs to turn around, be turned around or find somewhere else to arrive when the big hand exactly hits the number. Legal, respectful pressure may be the best way to get this individual turned around, if that’s even possible. If not, it may be incumbent on the company officers and chiefs to help him into another career.

I pity the next bunch of fools that has to deal with this sucka’s nonsense and jibba jabba.