There are a few questions many of us as ourselves as we advance in our careers and go through life when leading or directing others:

- Am I an asset or liability to the team?

- As a leader, am I giving more than I am taking or am I taking too much?

- Is this role for me?

Each time we step into the firehouse we have a choice. The choice we have is how we are going to show up for ourselves, our crew, our department and our community. Surely, that is a lot of groups we have to show up for but the choice to do so lies within our own self.

So, what is the choice?

The choice is simple, we can be the pillar of strength and positivity that leads the team to serve to the best possible potential or it can be the pillar of negativity and defeat that merely goes with the flow just to get through the shift. Either way, that choice of which pillar you take lies solely with you. Ask yourself, what do you as a leader of today's fire service bring to the table? Am I showing up with the energy to positively impact and motivate the room or am I showing up with the energy that drains the room of all potential and drive?

If you're adding impact and motivating the room, you are an asset. If you're draining the room of potential and drive, you are a liability. I get it, we'll never be 100% energized all the time and will naturally have off days. It's common and part of the ebbs and flows of life. However, the long-term goal is what we need to strive for. The impact to leave on others when your time comes to hang it up, is to strive to be the asset and not the liability.

To be the asset or in order words, to be the firefighter you always wanted to look up to is this. Be consistent in your actions. Mentor, train and guide fellow firefighters when the time presents itself and show them you care. Lead by example with everything you do. From cleaning the station, to on-shift training, be the one who steps up and makes it happen without ever making a show out of it. This matters most even when no one is watching.

Think about your mood and the mood you're bringing to the station, to the kitchen table and onto the fire ground. That mood is contagious. Are you prioritizing your health before shift through proper sleep, hydration and recovery the night before? How you take care of your body and mind plays into how your mood and energy show up at the firehouse.

Lastly, encourage those around you, support them and position yourself to be the cornerstone of the team. So go out there continue training hard and striving to become the best version of yourself you could possibly be.

Until next time, work hard, stay safe & live inspired.