Linda Willing

Leading the Team

Linda Willing is a retired career fire officer and currently works with emergency services agencies and other organizations on issues of leadership development, decision making, and diversity management through her company, RealWorld Training and Consulting. She is also an adjunct instructor and curriculum advisor with the National Fire Academy. Linda is the author of On the Line: Women Firefighters Tell Their Stories. She has a bachelor’s degree in American studies, a master’s degree in organization development and is a certified mediator. Linda is a member of the FireRescue1/Fire Chief Editorial Advisory Board. To contact Linda, e-mail Linda.Willing@FireRescue1.com.

Full list of Linda Willing results

Shining LIGHT on a new approach to behavioral health calls
–

A new Las Cruces, New Mexico, program aims to better serve community members experiencing mental health emergencies
How compassion on the job leads to efficient outcomes on scene
–

While every situation is different, most people are more receptive to a sympathetic approach than an authoritative command
Judgment call: Sound judgment must exist at all levels of EMS culture
–

Judgment is sometimes a matter of life or death, but it is also a matter of professional credibility
The impact of control – or lack of control – on chronic stress in first responders
–

Studies show that when members are given space to make consequential decisions with greater control, stress levels decrease
EMS response is often considered safer than firefighting, but is it?
–

The dangers to EMTs/medics are less well known to the general public than firefighting, even at times to the agencies where they work
Beyond paychecks and praise: Leaders must focus on multiple motivation styles
–

Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation are critical for keeping team members involved and prepared for the challenges they face
Why the media singles out wrongdoing by firefighters, EMTs
–

Do the right thing because it is right, but also do the right thing because your job, supported by the currency of public trust, depends on it
‘Quiet quitting’: How EMS leaders can combat the phenomenon
–

While the concept has been around for decades, it’s the buzzy term that’s prompted the recent focus on this approach to work
5 dysfunctions that turn teams into mere groups
–

From issues of trust, conflict and commitment to accountability avoidance and inattention, dysfunction can render a team utterly ineffective
Mastering ‘verbal judo’: How first responders can employ de-escalation techniques
–

Learn 7 escalation phrases to avoid, plus alternative phrases to help defuse confrontational moments with patients or bystanders
Ollie’s last day: The impact of a SIDS death on first responders
–

We do everything we can in the hope we’re wrong about what is happening to the smallest of victims
Input vs. output: Why teamwork should be a measure for success
–

In emergency services, the efforts of the crew and lessons learned on the ground are just as important as the outcome
A quiet revolution: How can we apply ABLE to EMS?
–

Knowing how to intervene when a colleague is going off the rails could save their career and protect the agency’s reputation
The science of making positive change: Simple steps for big change
–

Think big and act small, time it right using “commitment devices,” and focus on positive reinforcement and social norms
How EMS chiefs can end bullying and harassment
–

These concrete actions will help firefighters, paramedics and officers eliminate harassing behavior from their departments
Load More