In this episode of Leadership and Learning, I explore a challenge every leader faces: balancing the urgent demands of working in the business with the strategic responsibility of working on the business.
Too often, leaders get caught in “firefighter mode”, constantly putting out emergencies, solving day-to-day problems, and reacting to what’s right in front of them. While necessary at times, this approach can leave little space for vision, prevention, and long-term growth.
That’s where the mindset of the fire marshal comes in. Instead of reacting to every blaze, the fire marshal anticipates risks, puts systems in place, and creates the conditions that reduce the number of fires in the first place.
In this conversation, I unpack how leaders can:
Recognize when they’re stuck in firefighting
Create space to think strategically and proactively
Build systems that prevent issues before they arise
Lead their teams with a balance of responsiveness and foresight
Whether you’re leading a team, a division, or an entire organization, learning when to be the firefighter and when to be the fire marshal can transform how you lead and how your organization thrives.
