The Most Valuable Lesson I've Learned

This May marks 21 years I have had the absolute pleasure of serving. It goes without saying that there have been many challenges along the way. One of the great things of being in public service is the ability to serve and give back and to work with like minded people.

As with many, I worked my way up the ranks in Fire/EMS and flight medicine as well as in military service. I founded my own company in continuing education in 2008 and have been so fortunate to serve with the most genuine people who work hard, have an amazing work ethic and a strong commitment to service and integrity.

I can remember someone once asking me, "What has been the most valuable lesson I have learned over my career?" The more I thought about that question, it became apparent to me it was one that was really hard to answer. There have been so many things I have learned, good and bad. I, as with many people in public safety, have seen things that would make you think twice about the direction you go in life.

Since 2015, I have had one of the most amazing experiences to be able to continue to serve in public service while at the same time fulfilling a more corporate role as Vice President over Continuing Education for 50 states and 26 other countries. I share this because that question comes back to mind. "What has been the most valuable lesson I have learned over my career?"

I can say that my answer to this is simply, "Right people, right seat."

I've seen the same scenario play out countless times, both in public service and the private sector. Leaving someone in a position in a key role when it is no longer the right fit is one of the most damaging things a manager/director can do not only for the organization but most importantly the person.

In nearly 21 years, not one of my subordinates has ever said to me that they couldn't do their job. Even though the role is challenging, human nature forces employees to be inclined that they can get it done and sometimes the manager allows it to happen. Maybe part of this is because of ego or embarrassment of admitting the one you hired isn't the right fit for the seat they were picked to fill.

As a manager, it is up to you to help your staff identify issues and provide guidance to help them be successful. Leaving the employee in the position or removing the employee from that position is always a hard decision to make. It is one that has caused me to personally stress about. What if I am doing the wrong thing or what if I am doing the right thing? How do I balance the goals of the business to the personal responsibility I feel of ensuring my staff is taken care of. It is one of the things that keeps me awake at night..

Regardless of the decision, it is your responsibility to hold yourself accountable for the decision being made and execute that decision. One thing I have learned but still somewhat struggle with today is that if you have to ask yourself if the employee is up for the task, then you already know the answer. The challenge is that given the consequences, many of us may not want to admit the issues exist. In turn, we may end up asking others for their opinion in the hope we've somehow got it wrong, which may only serve to further muddy the waters.

One of my challenges to you is managing compassion with managing the decision. How the heck do you take an employee who has a positive attitude, a warm heart, a friendly smile and is giving it there all but is still not able to execute the mission and transition? How do you transition them to a different role without hurting their feelings or making them feel embarrassed. One of the things to think about is are you really helping that employee by leaving them in a position they are incapable of doing.

Think about the last time you saw someone on your team that was struggling. Now think about what you should have done.....

One final thought on the subject: When you take care of your team, it takes care of your business. It allows you to execute your mission. Always remember that the right people in the right seats are the most important part of the mission.

"They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel". - Maya Angelou

Judson brings more than 20 years of experience in Fire and EMS. Judson holds numerous EMS teaching credentials and founded one of the first virtual instructor-led EMS training programs in the United States in 2014. A critical care paramedic, former firefighter/paramedic, and flight paramedic, Judson also serves as an officer in an Air Force Reserves. He holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration and is currently pursuing a PhD in e-learning. He is married, has two dogs, and currently lives in Denver, Colorado.