Date: |
April 30, 2002 |
To: |
All DCs, AC’s, BC’s, and Captains |
From: |
T. J. Kiesewetter, Battalion Chief, Director of Training |
Subject: |
FEEDBACK FOR PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER MONTHLY EVALUATIONS #2 |
As explained in the last memo regarding feedback for Probationary Firefighter Monthly Evaluations, the probationary period requires a commitment by the probationary firefighter, their Captain(s), the Training Staff (including myself) and the Chief Officers. The commitment should reap great benefits. Some of the benefits we hope to achieve are
1. Develop probationary firefighters
2. Tie the Recruit Academy, the “Floor” and Chief Officers together
3. Support the City Attorney’s concern about the quality and content of evaluations performed within the department.
4. Improve the writing skills within the Long Beach Fire Department.
The most important reader of any evaluation is the individual being evaluated. Without meaningful feedback, the professional growth of the Probationary Firefighter will be slow or nonexistent. One of the motivational talks we give to every Recruit Academy is from an article about Tiger Woods in Time Magazine. Tiger sought feedback from among other sources, video tape, coaches and friends like Michael Jordan. So, even the best golfer in the world approaches continuous improvement through feedback.
Some Questions
What if a probationary firefighter is “in between” boxes? Do I mark both boxes?
If the Captain feels the probationary firefighter is “in between” boxes, the probationary firefighter has probably not displayed behavior that would earn the higher box. Our recommendation is to mark the lower box and follow with a description. Recently a Captain marked the lower box, described the observed behavior and then noted that “if there was a box between 2 and 3 (Probationary Firefighter’s name) would be there.”
The descriptions in the boxes seem to be self explanatory. Why do I need to write comments?
Every box does not need a specific description from the Captain. But, during the month, the Probationary Firefighter should have done a few things that were specifically note worthy (good or bad). The evaluation (feed back) will be more meaningful to the probationary firefighter if there are specifics he or she can relate to. For example a Probationary Firefighter was rated in box #4 in Verbal Communication. The Captain added the following comments:
(Probationary Firefighter’s name) uses proper terminology within our team. On several occasions, by using laymen’s terms for easier understanding, has displayed a calming influence while communicating with elderly patients.
Examples of “Specific Descriptions”
Grooming and Uniform Standards
Since we all wear uniforms, how can one person be rated above another? Isn’t that just scoring someone you think looks better than another person?
In most cases we all look the same in our uniforms and would be considered to be “consistent” (box #3). But consider the description below that justified marking box #4 “consistently exceeds department … standard”.
(Probationary Firefighter’s name) spit polishes both his boots and belt and has his uniforms professionally cleaned and ironed.
Safety Consciousness
In most cases Probationary firefighters are scored in box #3 and a general comment “uses appropriate safety equipment when required”. There have been some scores in box #4 without any comments. As a reader I wonder how the evaluator came to the conclusion.
What observable behavior would earn box #4? A probationary firefighter was recently placed in box #4 and the Captain noted, among other things:
“(Probationary Firefighter’s name)… also anticipates potential hazards for the Engineer and sets out cone patterns consistently …”
Effort to Improve
The following behavioral descriptions were added in scoring a Probationary Firefighter in box #3 “ … assertively seeks to learn …” If the observed behavior continues it may paint a picture of someone who has “a zeal”, or box #4.
(Probationary Firefighter’s name) critiques runs with his supervisors or senior FF’s. On incident #12345, he contacted (with Captain approval) an EMS educator with pertinent questions that could not be answered at the station level.
EMS - Obtains relevant and accurate patient history, chief complaint, medications and allergies in a systematic manner. (Focused history and detailed physical examination).
During (specific description of a gruesome medical run) (Probationary Firefighter’s name) stayed calm during the assessment, asked pertinent questions and recorded all the information on a FR-165. (Scored Box #4)
Notice Preparation
There are many evaluations that reflect box #3 or #4 without any comments to describe the behavior noted. Below is an example of a good comment for box #3. If no inspections have been done (no behavior to observe), this evaluation section may be left blank.
(Probationary Firefighter’s name) prepared three FR 202 forms in neat and orderly fashion.
Code Enforcement
The following comments were used to describe a Probationary Firefighter in Box #4
(Probationary Firefighter’s name) assisted in 8 R-1 inspections during this month.
The comment above was followed up by the section in “Public Relations” which further clarified the Code Enforcement “behavior.
Public Relations
Takes the time to educate and explain why fire prevention codes need to be complied with. Recently distributed smoke detectors on a medical run to show the public the fire departments concern and willingness to keep the community safe. (box #4)
Verbal Communication:
Obviously, we all communicate daily. If there are any events which highlight a probationary firefighter’s communication skills (or lack of) they should be included to help “paint the picture”.
(Probationary Firefighter’s name) is able to communicate to the public as demonstrated at a Community Services event at (location) on (date).
The Miracle of “Cut and Paste” and/or the “Save As” Function
“Cutting and pasting” is a great feature built into most word processing software. It can also be called “Cutting and Copying”. Please use it as an editing tool to improve the document. “Copying” might fill the comment section but it will not necessarily provide meaningful information for the reader. Similarly, using the “save as’ function to either change the month or the name of the Probationary Firefighter, will produce a second document but, it won’t paint an accurate picture of the observed behavior. Consider the following examples:
Firefighter A is a six month Probationary Firefighter in a station we will call Station #25. Firefighter A is on the same shift as Firefighter B. The comments for Firefighter A in the first 5 sections were:
“Makes changes when directed. Unusual to see the same mistake twice”
“Accepts Rookie role with enthusiasm and dedication”
“Makes decisions with appropriate authority and accuracy”
“Always at or above standard”
“Accepts change and direction without hesitation”
Firefighter B is a brand new Probationary Firefighter in a station we will call Station #25. Firefighter B is on the same shift as Firefighter A. The comments for Firefighter B in the first 5 sections were:
“Makes changes when directed. Unusual to see the same mistake twice”
“Accepts Rookie role with enthusiasm and dedication”
“Makes decisions with appropriate authority and accuracy”
“Always at or above standard”
“Accepts change and direction without hesitation”
Summary
Reward the Probationary Firefighter with comments that show you (1) care and (2) have taken the time to notice (even if the comments reflect improvement needed). Comments are enriching when they are well written.
Each probationary firefighter performs in their own unique way and each month provides unique experiences. Please do not:
1.) Use the last months evaluation for the current month by just changing the date.
2.) Use the same comments to describe two Probationary Firefighters on your shift.
Thanks for your support of the Training Division’s effort to:
1. Develop probationary firefighters
2. Tie the Recruit Academy, the “Floor” and Chief Officers together
3. Support the City Attorney’s concern about the quality and content of evaluations performed within the department.
4. Improve the writing skills within the Long Beach Fire Department.