Leading in any organization is a challenge. Leading an all career, all-volunteer, or combination staff adds its own unique challenges to the mix. Realizing that not all members have the same motivations and that, generally speaking, firefighters cannot stand change or the way things are, you may quickly find yourself struggling to tread water in the leadership world. This program will examine those things that you wish someone would have told you before taking a leadership role in your department as well as some of the things you need to know if you are looking to lead down the road. As we come up through the ranks, it is common to have questions about rules, procedures, and tactics. This is not a bad thing, as it is necessary to question things to improve them or realize they are fine the way they are. However, as we climb the rungs of the leadership ladder, we often find that the view will change and that things look very different from the other side of the desk.