Firing Up Emotional Intelligence: A Friendly Guide for Firefighters
Welcome to the fire service! The firehouse isn’t just a job—it’s a second home, a family. Here, firefighters laugh, sweat, and sometimes cry together. But like any family, there are quirks. Humor, teasing, and competition might feel like the glue holding everyone together, but sometimes, they can leave people feeling left out or misunderstood. How can everyone feel like they truly belong? Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the Enneagram are here to help. Think of EI as a personal playbook for understanding emotions—both one’s own and others’. The Enneagram? That’s like a roadmap to understanding different personalities and what makes each person tick.
This guide isn’t about adding more work to the plate. It’s about making the time spent together more meaningful, supportive, and, ultimately, more fun. Ready to dive in?
Emotional Intelligence—The Secret Sauce for Teamwork
Emotional Intelligence might sound like a fancy term, but really, it’s about understanding emotions—both one’s own and the people around them. Here’s what it looks like in action: knowing how one feels when things get tense on a call, keeping cool when someone presses buttons, reading the room when a teammate is upset, even if they don’t say it, and strengthening relationships so everyone works better together.
Imagine Maria, a new firefighter, joins the team. She’s quiet and trying to find her place, but the jokes and teasing feel overwhelming. Her captain notices and steps in, reminding everyone about the importance of being inclusive. That’s Emotional Intelligence in action—recognizing someone’s struggle and doing something about it.
Building the EI Toolkit
Check yourself first: Take a moment after a tough call to think about how you felt. Were you frustrated? Scared? Proud? Recognizing your feelings is the first step. Breathe before you react: Before snapping at a teammate, take a few deep breaths. A pause can prevent a problem from escalating. Listen like you mean it: When a teammate vents, don’t just nod and wait for your turn to talk. Really hear them out. Make time for fun: Plan activities like trivia nights or a shared meal. Laughter and connection build stronger teams.
The Enneagram—Your Guide to Team Chemistry
The Enneagram is like having a secret decoder ring for personalities. It breaks people down into nine types, each with its own strengths, struggles, and motivations. Here’s a quick rundown: The Perfectionist likes things done by the book. The Helper is always looking to lend a hand. The Go-Getter thrives on goals and achievements. The Dreamer is creative and emotional. The Thinker is analytical and prefers alone time. The Loyalist is a team player but can overthink. The Optimist loves excitement and new ideas. The Leader is bold and decisive. The Peacemaker is chill and avoids conflict.
Fixing the Firehouse Culture
Firehouse culture is legendary—but let’s be real, sometimes it’s tough. Jokes can go too far, and not everyone feels like they fit in. The team can do better by making everyone feel welcome, celebrating differences, and setting boundaries. Respect goes a long way. One firehouse decided to create a weekly “shout-out” board where teammates could write something positive about each other. At first, it felt cheesy, but soon it became a highlight of the week. Small steps like this build trust and positivity.
Making It Stick
Start small, build big. Workshops, practice in drills, and celebrate wins. Did a teammate show great empathy or self-awareness? Call it out and celebrate it. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Keep these tips in mind: check progress, celebrate successes, and keep learning. By making EI and the Enneagram part of everyday life, the firehouse isn’t just improving—it’s becoming a place where everyone thrives. That’s something to be proud of.