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The Backstep
What is the Backstep? Long before our time, there was a tradition of firefighters responding to calls while standing on the sidestep of ladder trucks and the backstep of engine companies. The backstep has also been called the tailboard and bumper step, and we are sure many other things depending on where you work. The firemen that rode these positions were informal leaders. Although they had no rank or power, they were the workhorses.
The traditional riding position of the formal fire service leader is in the right front seat, but what if you could lead from any position? We believe you can. Firefighters don’t buy into the rank itself; they buy into the character and work ethic of each individual. The purpose of this book is to empower you to lead without rank. We know how hopeless it can feel to be the only one in the firehouse that still has any passion for the job. It can feel isolating to be surrounded by firefighters who have lost their way, but you can be the work and the voice that changes those circumstances. You have the ability to influence people, their paths, and their goals. The fact is you don’t need to pass a test to be a leader.
So why is there any need for leadership from the back seat? We come into this paramilitary organization with the idea that there is a structure of leadership, a so-called chain of command. The firefighters are led by officers, officers are led by chiefs, and so on. It's the officer’s job to ensure the competency and readiness of the crew, and to insulate the crew members from distractions so they can sharpen their skills. It’s the Backstep’s job to mentor and train the crew so that the mission can be fulfilled on the fireground. It’s also the Backstep’s job to free up bandwidth on scenes and in the firehouse so the officer can make the critical decisions. If officers have to be concerned with trivial tasks, they will not have an overall view of the scene and what needs to get done. Simply put, a back seat leader is necessary for any crew to perform at a high level.
The traditional riding position of the formal fire service leader is in the right front seat, but what if you could lead from any position? We believe you can. Firefighters don’t buy into the rank itself; they buy into the character and work ethic of each individual. The purpose of this book is to empower you to lead without rank. We know how hopeless it can feel to be the only one in the firehouse that still has any passion for the job. It can feel isolating to be surrounded by firefighters who have lost their way, but you can be the work and the voice that changes those circumstances. You have the ability to influence people, their paths, and their goals. The fact is you don’t need to pass a test to be a leader.
So why is there any need for leadership from the back seat? We come into this paramilitary organization with the idea that there is a structure of leadership, a so-called chain of command. The firefighters are led by officers, officers are led by chiefs, and so on. It's the officer’s job to ensure the competency and readiness of the crew, and to insulate the crew members from distractions so they can sharpen their skills. It’s the Backstep’s job to mentor and train the crew so that the mission can be fulfilled on the fireground. It’s also the Backstep’s job to free up bandwidth on scenes and in the firehouse so the officer can make the critical decisions. If officers have to be concerned with trivial tasks, they will not have an overall view of the scene and what needs to get done. Simply put, a back seat leader is necessary for any crew to perform at a high level.
108 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2021
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19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 14, 2024
A great book that offered a much better perspective for “the job” suggested by a coworker, I took this as a must read. While it’s short, and the words are large enough for the guys who wear helmets at work, I learned a lot about the tradition of keeping the job progressing and setting up the next generation for success. In a job that really beats on you, I have some newfound ideologies I’d like to instill in the firehouse I am apart of. Be the work. Be the change. Be the voice. Be the Backstep…
“The path to success is not through others, it’s with others.”
“The path to success is not through others, it’s with others.”
July 12, 2025
Quick read. Designed to have firefighters think about leading from all positions. Given to me prematurely during my probationary year. Think is is a must read for all firefighters right after their probationary year.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews