Going For Gold
A Practical Resource Providing a Realistic Appraisal of What it Takes to Be a Successful Fire Chief

By Ronny J. Coleman - First Edition

Ronny Coleman, Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, brings years of experience to bear in this unique and practical resource providing a realistic appraisal of what it takes to a be a successful fire chief.

Focusing first on the candidate, then on the administration of a fire department, Going for the Gold will help readers understand how to prepare for the job, making the transition, and what is required for a successful track record.

The emphasis is on competition, and then the challenge that a fire chief faces on a day-to-day basis, including how to retain and improve upon the traditional values of the job. It covers the specifics of how a person actually applies leadership and decision making concepts on a daily basis.

• an insider's view from one of the nation's most respected fire service leaders makes this a useful resource for all fire service professionals who aspire to promotion
• focus on leadership skills highlights the chief's role in managing and leading fire service professionals
• provides an overview of the processes used in identifying fire chief candidates
• emphasis on applications instead of theory means that lessons can be applied immediately in professional situations

Contents:

GOING FOR THE GOLD: THE PREPARATION PROCESS:
When were the Good Old Days?
Getting into the Playoffs -- the Decision to Try for Chief.
How do You Measure Up?
What They Never Teach You at the Fire Academy.
Are You Ready for the Spotlight or Are You Deer in the Headlights?
Principles of Stewardship?

MAKING THE TRANSITION:
Transition.
Transplants and Timing.
The 100 Day War.
Cleaning Out the Closet.
Juggling Eggs.
Chainsaws and Hand Grenades.
High Performance Teams.
Visioning.
Is This a Marathon or a 100-Yard Dash?
Scanning the Horizon.
Working With an Outside Consultant.

STEERING. ROWING OR BAILING OUT:
Eagles. Tigers or Turtles.
Whose Department is This Anyway?
Black Eyes.
Bloody Nose and Bullies - Conflict Resolution.

KEYSTONING YOUR CAREER:
Getting into the Winning Circle - Personal Achievement.
Eye on the Compass - Hand on the Tiller.
Is That a Light at the End of the Tunnel or is it Another Train?
When is the Honeymoon Over and the Divorce Beginning?
Bibliography.
Glossary.
Index.