Competitive written and oral
examinations are the standard that has existed in the fire service throughout history. If administered correctly, they provide
a fair evaluation of the knowledge and skill sets of the candidates. There are certain skills and traits that are not well
evaluated through traditional exams. Assessment Centers provide a keen insight beyond the written exam. Assessment Centers
are customized and scaled to the needs of the department. An interview with airport management discussing the types of exercises
available is the first step in examining the value of an Assessment Center in your airports Chief Officer selection process.
The education provided by the fire service in general
seems to prepare most members with the skills necessary to advance into company officer positions. As they move up through
the ranks, their ability to make good foreground decisions is enhanced by the education and experience gained throughout their
career. Most Fire Chiefs will admit, that all that preparation did not particularly well prepare them with the challenges
of being a Chief, responsible for a budget, labor management issues, public speaking, writing, media interviews or making
that step outside the brotherhood to becoming the boss.
Assessment Centers are designed to evaluate and understand the skill sets of a candidate beyond those seen
in the foreground. Some examples of Assessment Center exercises include as follows:
- In Basket Exercise - Candidate is faced with
a number of memos, each requiring attention, with a limited time to respond. Prioritization, delegation, writing skills, pressure
coping, and ability to develop appropriate responses or remedies to a number of types of issuers are demonstrated.
- Leaderless Discussion Group - This session invokes the traits of candidates who are competing for the position.
It identifies team players, organizers, leaders, and followers. It requires people to work together, collaborate toward satisfaction
of the challenge. It allows a view of the candidates, competing, working together, dealing with pressure, time limits and
high stakes.
- Professional Panel - Group interview by professional panel asking questions
relative to their expertise. Panel members include, Labor Attorneys, Budget Director, HR Specialists, other ARFF Professionals.
- Tactical Problem - ARFF tactical problem is presented along with available resources, weather conditions,
timeline and basic plan. This event gives the Incident Commander a chance to shine. It gives managers a chance to see his
/ her management style.
Other exercises are developed based on the needs and
desires of the client.
|
