City of Calgary – “Fire Dept employee”

Pros

Way to break in to the labor market after extended mat leave.

Cons

poor training given to deputies on how to be a manager. Promoted from firefighter to deputy without have sufficient skills, training and experience. Very odd promotion process.

Deputies have no experience in dealing with staff other than firefighters; no business experience; and don't realize that not everyone is secretarial. Deputies are unable to adapt their supervisory skills and are drowning in trying to learn their new job.

Results: deputies frequent outbursts of anger directed towards employees as they struggle to cope. This directly contributes to staff quitting or accepting new positions. Others are expected to pick up the slack with little or no compensation.

Advice to Senior Management

rethink how fire fighters are promoted