I have not watch the video yet but I searched for it because this is one of the things I struggle with the most. In fact, it seems that everywhere I go, whenever I am introduced to a group of people, no matter what the context is, I tend to not fit in, or I make enemies, have conflicts, feel like I’m being bullied, feel like I’m being looked down on, etc. So, this is something I really want to work towards. I really want to be able to be introduced to a new group of people and get along with everyone. Not necessarily be popular or make friends but just fit in. I just want to be able to be introduced to a new group of people and be able to get along, earn acceptance, and earn their respect.
I think one of the biggest things I learned in the beginning of my probationary phase is how much work and energy goes into building a trustworthy rep with your crew, and how easily one dumb mistake can destroy weeks of progress. Great video and tips!!
Never underestimate the importance of keeping your mouth shut! This is the most important lesson for a probationary fire fighter. All points made in this video are important! Thanks for sharing. Found my way here because so many probies don’t take the time to learn this stuff. I’m looking at making a code of conduct for probationary fire fighters because getting people to fit into the culture of being a new hire is getting harder every year. Thanks for sharing!! Probies listen up he knows what he is talking about. Follow through on this stuff and you will be a part of the gang in short order!
Yeah I’ve met a couple of new guys that acted like they knew everything when trying to show them new things it really pisses guys with time on a lot when trying to teach these kids
I am Not a firefighter. But I spent time in the army, and worked industrial/oilfield work most of my life and these rules apply to almost all of it. Love your videos man.
The guy I least liked at first and said i would never be friends was the first saving my life I would never guessed at first I would ask to be on his team like I did...
Thank you for all of the videos that you make and the helpful advice. I'm about to start Fire Academy here in two weeks, and I think your advice will go a long way. I'm so used to being able to dish back what I take but now I need to learn to keep my mouth shut for a good while, haha. I'm looking forward to it
This is a primer on why NOT to go into firefighting work. i decided on not staying in the military just because of this "rank" business. It is s superiority technique only and has no place in life. Respect- must be earned---not demanded and longevity in work does NOT automatically bring respect. Again--the military was strong on bowing and scraping just due to the person's longevity. My personal experience was the bulk of this type was due to politics of various sorts. Most were actually incompetent---hiding behind their rank. I never met one of these types who I would hire for anything.
Amazing content! I Fully appreciate your entire channel, it helped me personally with preparation for my hiring on process. I have my interview with the chief in January.Just wanted to reach out and thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! Good luck with your chief interview, let me know how it goes. Make sure you check out the video posted yesterday on the chiefs interview and what to expect.
I'd like your thoughts, please, on coming to a department and being handed a leadership position right out the gate. Examples are captains hired on from outside the department, paramedics in a mostly/all Basic department, and FFs who have been doing this for 80 years and just moved to a new area. There will be certain expectations for these people, but also the hindrances of being the new guy. What I've learned to be the best approach is very similar to what you stated for regular new guys: be quiet. Learn your crew and their ways. But that's difficult when people are expecting you to take charge and lead at the same time. Your thoughts?
Try being the only female in an all male police dept. I worked in Boulder, CO. area starting in late 70s and they made my life miserable. I never said anything and just took it. I was accepted. Others after me were not as lucky.
great question! I"m actually going to be addressing this question in an upcoming video, but the easiest way to tell is 1. If people start gossiping to you/airing dirty laundry. 2. People ask for your opinion on substantive questions (means you've earned some respect)
Every station has a different personality in my city. Some are high energy/rowdy, and some are low key chill. Some expect you to stay on your toes all day doing probationary new guy work. Some want you to feel comfortable and at ease and talk to them so they get to know you. Get a feel for the room every day! Be quiet but also speak up when someone ask you for information about yourself. Feel the room every day!
They told us the fire service has people out of shape and unhealthy so we shouldn’t bring in donuts, but instead something healthy like a fruit basket or something. I personally didn’t bring anything my first day, which is a good thing I didn’t because there are some people on my shift that are on keto diet, gluten-free, dairy free, or on strict diets. Eventually I did bring something in with everyone’s dietary restrictions in mind and they enjoyed it
Study ur local do house work first be the first to clean after everyone eats go over the truck and equipment before every shift and be motivated and ask the Lt or capt to train every day work different training for engine and ladder though
Welp, I'm out. No, not really. If you're gonna be weird, own it. Make it fun, cheeky shenanigans, not Eeeeevil shenanigans. Don't be creepy, though. There's no way to make "creepy" fun.
In the south people are naturally gregarious and to sit silently apart from the group could be seen as an insult--new guy or not. Fire fighters are a tight group and may have to depend on the next guy to save their life. I'd think everyone would want a new person to get acquainted as soon as possible. You get to know others by talking--lots--and about lots.. I do not understand what amounts to shunning a new person.
Self deprecation is useful. You're going to be made fun of regardless (not in a malicious way), so learn how to roll with the punches and at least laugh at yourself or make a joke at your own expense.
Amen. I fell on my butt on one call. Just tripped and plopped. I was the first one laughing. Ironically, the patient had called us for doing the same thing (but got injured). Pt got a kick out of it, too.
If you are assigned to a Truck or Engine company and your Captain is not the one who is pulling the strings, setting the tone or is not the leader of the group, you are in for a long, bad experience.
I have not watch the video yet but I searched for it because this is one of the things I struggle with the most.
In fact, it seems that everywhere I go, whenever I am introduced to a group of people, no matter what the context is, I tend to not fit in, or I make enemies, have conflicts, feel like I’m being bullied, feel like I’m being looked down on, etc.
So, this is something I really want to work towards. I really want to be able to be introduced to a new group of people and get along with everyone. Not necessarily be popular or make friends but just fit in. I just want to be able to be introduced to a new group of people and be able to get along, earn acceptance, and earn their respect.
Hows it going now?
I think one of the biggest things I learned in the beginning of my probationary phase is how much work and energy goes into building a trustworthy rep with your crew, and how easily one dumb mistake can destroy weeks of progress. Great video and tips!!
Definitely!
This should stop.
Never underestimate the importance of keeping your mouth shut! This is the most important lesson for a probationary fire fighter. All points made in this video are important! Thanks for sharing. Found my way here because so many probies don’t take the time to learn this stuff. I’m looking at making a code of conduct for probationary fire fighters because getting people to fit into the culture of being a new hire is getting harder every year. Thanks for sharing!! Probies listen up he knows what he is talking about. Follow through on this stuff and you will be a part of the gang in short order!
Thanks for the kind words! I hope all is going well at your department!
@@mike_pertz yes all is well. Just going thru some growing pains as a department and trying to come up with ways to address it. Thanks!
Yeah I’ve met a couple of new guys that acted like they knew everything when trying to show them new things it really pisses guys with time on a lot when trying to teach these kids
Why don’t new cops have to keep there mouth shut but new firefighters do?
Exactly why I left the fire service
I am Not a firefighter. But I spent time in the army, and worked industrial/oilfield work most of my life and these rules apply to almost all of it. Love your videos man.
I am a current firefighter and all these advices are right on point. You made very good points that will help any rookie firefighter. Great video
100% right about do not engage in dinner conversation unless addressed. I did that once.. the whole table went silent and I knew I fucked up.
Wow that's harsh 😂
Reading the room; an extremly good strategy
The guy I least liked at first and said i would never be friends was the first saving my life I would never guessed at first I would ask to be on his team like I did...
Did you kiss him lmfao?
@@EverythingGoes31 what are you 5 years old ?
Looking into becoming a firefighter, everything you said was clear and ready made sense. Thanks for making me smile 🤘
Thank you for all of the videos that you make and the helpful advice. I'm about to start Fire Academy here in two weeks, and I think your advice will go a long way. I'm so used to being able to dish back what I take but now I need to learn to keep my mouth shut for a good while, haha. I'm looking forward to it
This was really helpful sir, I'm starting next week.
Thanks, really appreciate it!
Can you do something about how to stand out in the academy?
definitely!
This is a primer on why NOT to go into firefighting work. i decided on not staying in the military just because of this "rank" business. It is s superiority technique only and has no place in life. Respect- must be earned---not demanded and longevity in work does NOT automatically bring respect. Again--the military was strong on bowing and scraping just due to the person's longevity. My personal experience was the bulk of this type was due to politics of various sorts. Most were actually incompetent---hiding behind their rank. I never met one of these types who I would hire for anything.
Amazing content! I Fully appreciate your entire channel, it helped me personally with preparation for my hiring on process. I have my interview with the chief in January.Just wanted to reach out and thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! Good luck with your chief interview, let me know how it goes. Make sure you check out the video posted yesterday on the chiefs interview and what to expect.
@@mike_pertz Will do brother! Keep up the good work. I look forward to watching all your videos.
Never underestimate the importance of keeping your mouth shut! I wish more new hires were seeking out this type of guidance! This is all great advice!
I could’ve used this video 8 months ago 😭, I’m bad at making friends
More of these please! don't wanna be the weird guy
I'd like your thoughts, please, on coming to a department and being handed a leadership position right out the gate.
Examples are captains hired on from outside the department, paramedics in a mostly/all Basic department, and FFs who have been doing this for 80 years and just moved to a new area. There will be certain expectations for these people, but also the hindrances of being the new guy.
What I've learned to be the best approach is very similar to what you stated for regular new guys: be quiet. Learn your crew and their ways. But that's difficult when people are expecting you to take charge and lead at the same time.
Your thoughts?
Try being the only female in an all male police dept. I worked in Boulder, CO. area starting in late 70s and they made my life miserable. I never said anything and just took it. I was accepted. Others after me were not as lucky.
When you say “don’t get too comfortable too early” how long is too early? When should I begin to become comfortable?
I would think get comfortable when you are confident you know what you are doing
You’ll get cues from your group on shift when it’s ok to start feeling comfortable.
A couple weeks before you retire just to be safe is what I always say.
great question! I"m actually going to be addressing this question in an upcoming video, but the easiest way to tell is
1. If people start gossiping to you/airing dirty laundry.
2. People ask for your opinion on substantive questions (means you've earned some respect)
Every station has a different personality in my city. Some are high energy/rowdy, and some are low key chill. Some expect you to stay on your toes all day doing probationary new guy work. Some want you to feel comfortable and at ease and talk to them so they get to know you.
Get a feel for the room every day!
Be quiet but also speak up when someone ask you for information about yourself.
Feel the room every day!
Great video with very important advice!
Thanks Dana!
They told us the fire service has people out of shape and unhealthy so we shouldn’t bring in donuts, but instead something healthy like a fruit basket or something. I personally didn’t bring anything my first day, which is a good thing I didn’t because there are some people on my shift that are on keto diet, gluten-free, dairy free, or on strict diets. Eventually I did bring something in with everyone’s dietary restrictions in mind and they enjoyed it
What if we bring fruit and donuts
Tips for probies would be nice. Like different ways/things you can do to stay busy
Sounds good
Study ur local do house work first be the first to clean after everyone eats go over the truck and equipment before every shift and be motivated and ask the Lt or capt to train every day work different training for engine and ladder though
Ive made some mistakes in the past and im 7 years in, I have trouble relating. Would you mind if i reached out privately to ask for advice?
I was the new guy 4 years ago, was?t what i would call fun
I’m a really out going person and like to learn so how do I make that work
Not often one hears advice that works in the real world nowadays.
Rule #1 though.... just done be weird haha
Haha ya good point, I forgot to mention that...don’t talk too much but also, don’t be weird.
Welp, I'm out.
No, not really. If you're gonna be weird, own it. Make it fun, cheeky shenanigans, not Eeeeevil shenanigans.
Don't be creepy, though. There's no way to make "creepy" fun.
I have messed up most of these already
In the south people are naturally gregarious and to sit silently apart from the group could be seen as an insult--new guy or not. Fire fighters are a tight group and may have to depend on the next guy to save their life. I'd think everyone would want a new person to get acquainted as soon as possible. You get to know others by talking--lots--and about lots.. I do not understand what amounts to shunning a new person.
You are awesome Mike .
You are my favorite blogger and I want to marry you 😂
Self deprecation is useful. You're going to be made fun of regardless (not in a malicious way), so learn how to roll with the punches and at least laugh at yourself or make a joke at your own expense.
So true
Amen. I fell on my butt on one call. Just tripped and plopped. I was the first one laughing. Ironically, the patient had called us for doing the same thing (but got injured). Pt got a kick out of it, too.
Thanks for the advice. I accidentally hit dislike and changed it. Hope that doesn’t mess anything up for your algorithms.
What is ride time?
If I can’t help but make jokes 24/7 and make people laugh, should I keep my mouth shut until people like me?
Black Rifle coffee company😂 lol I got distracted during the video
If you are assigned to a Truck or Engine company and your Captain is not the one who is pulling the strings, setting the tone or is not the leader of the group, you are in for a long, bad experience.
It depends how ur senior man is sometimes officers can be assholes and forget where they came from