Leadership for the Executive Fire Officer – FIRE 610

CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course focuses on the research and exposition of effective leadership strategies for executive fire officers. Students will be encouraged to research and apply effective leadership theory and best practices for the fire administrative processes required to deliver fire and emergency services; detailed examination of the social, political and economic issues that have an impact on service delivery, leadership, and management approaches for emergency services.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Leadership theory and practice has a profound impact throughout fire service organizations.  Understanding the complexity of leadership strategies and best practices are necessary to develop effective processes and programs that are vital to the health of the organization and its members.

Course Assignment

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

The student will complete 2 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 600 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 450 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 2 peer-reviewed source citations, in addition to the course textbook, in APA format and integrate at least 1 biblical principle. Each reply must incorporate at least 2 peer-reviewed source citations, in addition to the textbook, in current APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook, peer-reviewed journal articles, government sources, professional association websites, etc.

Paper

The student will complete a 7-10 page paper (excluding title page and references) in APA format using at least four references from peer reviewed sources. Select a present or past leader, and describe his or her personality profile using each of the Big Five dimensions. After rating each dimension as strong, moderate, or weak, give an example of traits and typical behavior of the leader for each dimension. Explain which dimensions are strongest and weakest and why you see them that way? 

Paper

The student will complete a 7-10 page paper (excluding title page and references) in APA format using at least four references from peer reviewed sources. Discuss and provide an example of each of the leadership styles as defined in the Leadership Grid.  Identify the style that is most productive in Public Safety and explain your reasoning.  In addition, describe the one style that may be the most destructive to an organization or team.

Paper

The student will complete a 7-10 page paper (excluding title page and references) in APA format using at least four references from peer reviewed sources. You have been tasked with improving the performance management program in your organization.  Please describe how you will implement change (assuming it is needed) utilizing a 360 Degree Performance Management Program.  As part of your discussion please describe the importance of coaching and counseling and outline key elements that are necessary for affecting change and identify challenges relative to comparison to the current situation.

Paper

The student will complete a 7-10 page paper (excluding title page and references) in APA format using at least four references from peer reviewed sources. The term diversity can be used to articulate culture, demographics, and specific human related elements.  Using your experience with the text as your guide, describe the need for ensuring a diverse team using culture, age, race, and gender orientation.  As part of your work please identify elements for inclusivity with regard to team members who may differ from you.

Paper

The student will complete a 7-10 page paper (excluding title page and references) in APA format using at least four references from peer reviewed sources. Every organization needs to have a plan or a play-book of sorts that drives the methodology for process, procedure, and programs.  This plan is typically called a Strategic Plan.   Develop a presentation for your community that shares the needs of you organization and begins the process of sharing with external stakeholders your intentions as the leader of this project.  You should not use existing plans that are in place with your organization.  Rather you should create a presentation (plan) that plans for what you perceive to be the real issues.

Paper

The student will complete a 7-10 page paper (excluding title page and references) in APA format using at least four references from peer reviewed sources. Traditional and Learning Organizations have key elements that are described in the text.  Please select two elements from each organizational type and discuss the pros and cons to those types.  Additionally provide specific examples about the organization you are familiar with as to whether the organization is a traditional or learning organization.