Ron Hiraki paints a portrait of "the enabler," a firefighter who allows the status quo to persist, regardless of whether things are correct or not.

Ron Hiraki discusses some more benefits of role-playing for firefighters and describes how to design and administer role-plays for training your department.

Role playing is a valuable activity that allows firefighters to apply information they have learned or received and deliver that information using their interpersonal skills. Ron Hiraki writes about using role playing in firefighter training.

Initiative is a quality we look for in firefighters, especially in leadership roles, Ron Hiraki writes, but initiative is only helpful when it is taken in the right circumstances.

Implementing suggestions from firefighters can help improve your fire department's service, Ron Hiraki writes.

Firefighters and fire officers need a combination of both good leadership and management skills to be successful, Ron Hiraki writes.

In stepping up to be a good fire officer or acting fire officer, one has to be both a manager and a leader, Ron Hiraki writes.

The Socratic Method is a process of question and debate that can help develop critical-thinking skills in firefighters and, ultimately, the fire department-at-large, Ron Hiraki writes.

You train to develop your knowledge, skills, and abilities in preparation for the opportunity to use them some day in a real life event, to gain real life experience. For firefighters, getting real life experience in a real life event is itself an “odd event.

If you are not healthy, well trained, reasonably satisfied, and moderately happy, your value to your fire department and other people is limited, Ron Hiraki writes, so remember to take some time for yourself.

Fire officers often make prioritized checklists to ensure that work gets done, but it's important to not let the mere accomplishment of goals take priority over getting things done in a meaningful way, writes Ron Hiraki.

Ron Hiraki shares general strategies and advice to help firefighters prepare for the promotional process.

Firefighters are known for their willingness to help other people, including their own. Ron Hiraki writes that a formal thank you after help is given is a display of you stepping up, not just as a leader, but more importantly as a good person

Ron Hiraki has some advice for firefighters and fire officers who may be taking on a new assignment or tackling a new project in the new year.

Firefighting instructors can teach firefighters problem-solving skills by tweaking existing training scenarios and introducing problems that students must solve. Ron Hiraki discusses adding variety and complexity to drills for veteran firefighters.

The purpose of bonding is to get to know the personal side of people. Ron Hiraki discusses how developing better personal relationships can help firefighters on the job and build one fire department.

It may seem obvious that "bonding" or forming better relationships is important in the fire service, Ron Hiraki writes, but actually making this happen, especially when obstacles exist, is another story. Consider stepping up and opening the door for a better relationship with the other firefighters in your crew.

Giving new firefighting recruits an orientation that helps them understand your fire station and your crew can help open lines of communication and avoid possible obstacles down the line. Ron Hiraki discusses the benefits of creating an orientation program for new firefighters.

One way to motivate members of your crew is recognizing their efforts when they have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Ron Hiraki discusses how writing letters of recognition can positively influence your crew.

Firefighters often seek to expand their knowledge, and asking a colleague for help in training or learning fire tactics can be a good way to do so. Ron Hiraki discusses the benefits of informal coaching and things to take into consideration before asking for help.