Washington Post story - "Army worries about ‘toxic leaders’ in ranks".
"The Army defined toxic leaders as commanders who put their own needs first, micro-managed subordinates, behaved in a mean-spirited manner or displayed poor decision making.
About half of the soldiers who worked under toxic leaders expected that their selfish and abusive commanders would be promoted to a higher level of leadership."
We're very interested in hearing what you have to say about this article as it relates to the FCFRD. If you wrote the headline what would it read?
7 comments:
"Fairfax County Fire Department shows no concern for 'toxic leaders', rewards for bad behavior"
Fairfax, VA. (AP) Fire Chief Ron Mastin rewards 'toxic leaders' within the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department. A recent study showed that this arrogant, brash behavior is rewarded among the ranks because ineffective leaders must show strength when confronted with anyone who asks questions or makes them feel inferior. Fire Chief Mastin commented, “Wellllll ya know it sometimes isn’t that easy to be that someone who wants to be in charge and then placed in charge because I told them they can be and then that someone is asked a difficult question to that someone who thinks they are in charge but really not because… what was I talking about again”, as he spoke in his very calming voice and drawn out accent. Assistant Chief Caussin pointed out that, “The complexity of being a true leader is defined by not allowing yourself to be easily intimidated especially by some at a lower rank.” Mastin interrupted by saying, “Ya know John this has been some interesting times here with in our department and we just have to leave that black eye alone. Stop poking at it…” As the Fire Chief looks down at his blackberry as if there are additional talking points to be had.
When questioned about the qualities of a true leader in the FCFRD Chief Caussin went to say, “That I look for someone who puts their own needs first, micro-manages subordinates, behaves in a mean-spirited manner or displays poor decision making.” When the reporter asked as in someone like yourself, Chief Caussin proudly pounded his fist on the desk and said, “F^%k yea”. Caussin provided an example of being a leader, as the FCFRD is being confronted with multiple lawsuits, allegations of fraud and basic mismanagement and morale being at its lowest in recent memories in addition to the budget crisis. Chief Caussin stated that he had to come out with a very strong statement one that would send a strong message of leadership particularly his style of leadership with a commanding presence. He spoke with his aide about what this message should contain and the length of it, timeliness factor would also be important. Shortly after the Fairfax Fire & Rescue Department lost a sexual harassment lawsuit by jury decision and having to payout over $350,000, Assistant Chief Caussin decided his message to his Deputy Chief’s and then the entire fire department will be; “There is no research that shows t-shirts are not cooler then polo shorts therefore no t-shirts will be allowed per SOP…” As he read this again Chief Caussin was beaming with pride. This reporter was reminded of the imagery with President Bush on the aircraft carrier grinning with the “Mission Accomplished” banner waving in the background.
Cont'd - Fire Chief Mastin was asked about promotions and how he makes his decisions. Mastin, “Welllll ya know it is one of those things…where we look at what memos that person wrote and where they sat in the Massey building and how strong they make the coffee but what really is important is that we look at what we can do about making strides for the folks here and not just doing well on a test but let’s say distributing cots or managing how many cc’s go on a memo those can be difficult things to manage…and one more thing…” But Chief Caussin who interrupted immediately spoke of expectations and was becoming increasingly agitated by saying, “Damn it. Listen to me. Either you are a leader or you’re not… if you’re not we have a robust career development system where you can take online classes, and then you will be a leader and if that doesn’t work well we’ll promote you here at headquarters and we’ll groom you. You will learn to make sacrifices here from family. I mean I have to check my blackberry for messages all the time and sometimes I will listen to the department radio you don’t know the stress that can cause us up here. Our mentoring program will encourage you to be selfish and abusive commanders and your reward will be to gain a higher rank and a car and clean white shirts. Reality is who the f&%k wants to be out there… f^%$Ckin A man”
As he was driving into work in his take home SUV with the A/C chilling at a cool 64 degrees he drove by a vehicle accident and noticed a fire fighter in his t-shirt… --- I will let you finish the rest of this article.
What T shirts? The rumor now is Johnny C wants to eliminate T shirts all together. That's right, let's not issue them anymore and I can save ten grand a year. But that's not all, Let's take a look at showcase No. 2, "Let's have I.T. run the OPS6/telestaff positions and I can eliminate 2.5 more positions. "Look at me Tony, I'm saving you money, I should be the chosen one to succeed "A little black eye" Mastin." Please...as a Tax payer and your BOSS...YOU will NEVER lead this department! Thank god there's light at the end of the tunnel. If only Daddy Isman would have taken care of himself, we wouldn't be in this mess! Yea it's a MESS, A big mess, only to be cleaned up when Chief little black eye and Johnny T. Shirtless leave. "Calgon take me away"
I heard there was rumors of getting rid of the OPS6 position as well. Wow the AC really has NO idea how operations is ran. Let's just get rid of him while we are at it. See ya.
Anonymous 353:
You really need to start using decaf and you will wear whatever you are issued and like it.
Breaking News - This just in, Fairfax County is being invaded by Toxic Leaders!
Bong Toxic, Vodka Toxic, and Leadership Toxic; among others.
The governor is calling for a state of emergency so the National Guard can respond immediately.
(Big Eye News Ben...You rock!)
So, how do we fix it?
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