International Association of Fire Chiefs
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Recommended Reading - Powered by FSEDI

The IAFC affirms professional development is the planned, progressive, career-long process of education, training, self-development, and experience. To assist the professional development of our members, the IAFC Professional Development Committee recommends the following publications which will be rotated on a quarterly basis. These books come recommended from our committee members. They are valuable resources that have assisted their continual growth and development as a leader in fire and emergency services. The Professional Development Committee members hope that others will find them valuable too.

Leadership Management Professional Development Self Help Other


Leadership

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
To raise the awareness levels of human health in our firefighters
The Leader's Secret Code: The belief systems that distinguish winners
Based on interviews/analyses (qualitative/quantitative) learn secrets of successful leadership
Shackleton
Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer
Lead your business to survival and success by following the example of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton
Turn the Ship Around!
Learn how a leadership model turned a fleet from worst to first in the fleet by challenging the US Navy’s traditional leader-follower approach
The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win
This book explains that true leadership is a balance of multiple competing principles.

Management

It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy, 10th Anniversary Edition
Leadership actions resulting in a crew of confident, inspired problem-solvers eager to take the initiative & responsibility for their actions
Sticking Points: How to Get 5 Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart
This book identifies the 12 places where the 5 generations typically come apart in the workplace
The Invention of Tradition
This book explores how traditions are at times a recent invention rather than an established ritual

Professional Development

Is Everyone Really Equal?: An Introduction to Key Concepts in Social Justice Education
This provided a great overview of the key movements and ideas discussed in the media, did so through examples that illustrated the concepts
Crucial Conversations
This book draws our attention to those defining moments that literally shape our lives, our relationships, and our world

Self Help

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
To raise the awareness levels of human health in our firefighters
The Boys in the Boat
A true story that provides numerous examples of teamwork and overcoming adversity
Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism
A concept of professionalism & provides a detailed improvement path with self-assessments & action steps throughout
The Giving Tree
This book reminds us of self awareness and creating balance in our lives as leaders

Other

The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement
This book discusses the importance of human relationships, how those relationships are formed, and how the are fundamental to our lives.
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