Hungry? Thirsty? Energy level sagging a bit? Countless commercials offer an incredible array of fatigue-busting options—energy bars, power-infused drinks, supplements and even VitaminWater—to dispel the doldrums at the first hint of discontent.

Although I can’t guarantee that these products work, I do recognize the symptoms and forms of fatigue. It may be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual or any combination thereof. For each form of exhaustion, you’ll find numerous strategies to restore your strength and refresh your outlook.

What about leadership fatigue? Our energy and strength for leadership challenges are not unlimited. Fatigue creeps in and erodes our energy and effectiveness.  Left unchecked, leadership fatigue can spiral into “professional depression,” a depreciated sense of value or effectiveness.

As with other forms of fatigue, no single strategy can overcome it, but one approach that can minimize it is a healthy involvement with a strong professional association, such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs. With almost 140 years of history and more than 12,000 members worldwide, this association offers a broad menu to nourish and refresh the leader within you.

Inspiration & Education
Most of us have experienced the inner stirring that results from exposure to new ideas, fresh perspectives and challenges to our biases. Whether you’re at a motivational speech, a political rally, a religious seminar or somewhere similar, inspired ideas and words can inject fresh energy into our endeavors.

Another venue for revitalization: Fire-Rescue International (FRI). The IAFC’s annual conference and exposition offers an array of educational programs brimming with fresh ideas, success stories and lessons learned. The general sessions challenge, inspire, encourage and even entertain participating leaders. The educational sessions are infused with nourishment and encouragement. Additionally, the expansive exhibit floor displays innovative hardware and software, always something not-to-be-missed.

Attending FRI is a good start, but merely attending won’t ensure optimal outcomes. Take time to pre-plan your experience. With so many forums and events vying for your attention, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. Educational sessions run concurrently, so choose the ones that give you new perspective.

With an FRI program in one hand and your personal calendar in the other, begin your plan. Write in the general sessions right away; they’re worth your time. Add the hours of the exhibit hall, noting that exhibits and education programs run concurrently. Ah, so many choices!

Scan the educational offerings for subjects that match your interests and ones that will stretch your thinking. Don’t overlook the early-morning seminars. Pencil in your selections, because you’ll likely discover multiple concurrent offerings that appeal to you, and you’ll need to make tough choices or find a colleague who’ll attend one seminar while you cover another. You may be surprised how quickly your calendar fills up, but you’ll reap more value if your conference days are better organized.

Networking
Beyond the classroom experience is the opportunity to meet and converse with colleagues. These contacts can blend into a network from which you give and receive support, encouragement, exhortation and solace.

Involvement in the IAFC enlarges and strengthens your professional network. For those professional contacts with whom I interact over the year primarily by phone or e-mail, my time at FRI affords a chance to engage in face-to-face conversation that’s invaluable to building and refining those relationships.

Some in-person FRI connections occur by chance while moving between venues, visiting the exhibits or grabbing a bite to eat. But for networking success, plan some meetings ahead of time. Arrange to meet a colleague at a seminar of mutual interest, grab breakfast together or meet at a particular exhibit at a pre-arranged day and time.

When you meet, make sure you include two things: 1) an inquiry of your colleague and 2) a current insight into your professional world.

Your inquiry should be specific and genuine. For example: “Tell me two things that are going well in your life/work/organization” or “What one thing is giving you the most challenge in your life/work/organization?” Listen actively to show support but also to learn from your colleague’s experiences. With this focus, you should come away with an understanding of the issues/choices/conflicts your colleague faces and appreciate how it feels to walk in that leader’s shoes.

When it’s your turn to speak, describe a positive experience as well as a significant or vexing challenge. Be specific, honest and brief. Don’t expect to solve anything on the spot; your purpose in giving and receiving is to build the relationship, which will more likely pay off down the road.

Involvement
Attending FRI is one great way to bolster your leadership development and renewal, but it all starts with getting involved in the association.

Note areas of special interest, whether they’re technical, policy-related or about organization governance. Talk to involved leaders in your local area or IAFC division to gain insight. Contact group leaders and members to inquire about expectations and opportunities. Make a selection, then seek someone to introduce you to the group and perhaps coach you during your early involvement.

In conversations with emerging leaders, invariably I hear phrases such as “I’m already too busy” or “I can’t afford to travel that much” or the most-frustrating “I don’t think I have anything to offer.” Get past this thinking, and recognize the importance of flexing your schedule to strengthen and invigorate your leadership abilities. Defining your priorities to accommodate growth is something you can’t afford to neglect.

Choose a level of involvement that matches your circumstances and resources. Learn and contribute as a peer member, then steadily increase your contribution as you gain experience. Take on leadership responsibilities within the group when appropriate. Don’t discount yourself because you’re concerned about travel time and expense. Travel is not as great a factor now that many groups employ electronic meeting strategies as often as “real space” meetings.

Involvement in IAFC groups exposes you to a variety of strategies, styles, perspectives and experiences. You can learn just by listening and asking questions in the group. With increased confidence, you can test your ideas among your peers. Your colleagues will respond with their varied assessments of your ideas. You can choose from among all of them, allowing you to strengthen, modify or abandon their assessments as you deem appropriate.

Conclusion
The definition of “refresh” involves restoration of strength; relief from fatigue or depression; restoration by a renewing supply or resources. Leaders need refreshment and energizing; the reservoir that fuels leadership performance is not inexhaustible. We must regularly stir and refill it.

FRI offers a robust menu of opportunities for leadership refreshment. Invest the effort to plan your experience—maybe collaborating with a colleague—for optimal returns. Expect to return invigorated about your leadership roles … but perhaps in need of a good night’s sleep!

James M. Broman is the fire chief of the Lacey (Washington) Fire District. A 42-year fire-service veteran, Chief Broman is a member of the IFE and the IAFC and a Commissioner on the Commission on Professional Credentialing. He is co-chair of the Washington State Interoperability Executive Committee and a member of the Governor’s Fire Protection Policy Board. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and is a current Chief Fire Officer Designee.

E-mail your questions or comments to Jim at jbroman@laceyfire.com.

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