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Thinking Critically About "Adaptive" Challenges is Key to a Chief Officer's Success

About This Webinar

Current research on decision-making and leadership shows that specific challenges known as “adaptive,” “wicked,” and “complex” problems are different than those merely considered “complicated,” and they pose unique difficulties for organizational decision-makers.

In scenarios involving multiple stakeholders with varying interests and resources, it may seem impossible to find clear, high-confidence solutions to problems or inspire enduring buy-in for important changes. What core concepts play a role in these kinds of problems, and what makes them so hard for leaders to navigate? This webinar will give participants the tools they need to face such complex challenges, navigate cause-and-effect dynamics, and lead teams effectively through them via appropriate critical thinking approaches.

Participants will be given the tools for approaching adaptive challenges using a reasoning-based critical thinking framework known as “systems thinking.” Systems thinking is a proven strategy that provides problem-solvers with dependable SOPs for achieving positive outcomes in complex, dynamically interpersonal scenarios.

This webinar also includes interactive elements aimed at helping attendees absorb and engage with the information provided. Speakers will take a multidisciplinary approach to the core content, and you do not need to be familiar with systems thinking prior to attending. We look forward to exploring this topic with you!

Who can view: Everyone
Webinar Price: Free
Featured Presenters
Webinar hosting presenter
Deputy Chief
Landon A. Churchill grew up in the mountains of Western Colorado and is a passionate advocate of continuous system improvement, community-focused emergency planning, and authentic relational leadership. Landon began his public safety career as a volunteer firefighter with Colorado River Fire Rescue, where he had the opportunity to serve as an engineer, paramedic, and lieutenant.  He spent time as an educator serving as the EMS program coordinator and adjunct faculty at Colorado Mountain College and as a consultant for his own education company. He serves now as a Deputy Chief for Spring Fire Department in Spring, TX, and enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, especially reading, cooking, playing music and chess, and exploring the outdoors.
Webinar hosting presenter
Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University
Ms. Kate Marquis is an expert on critical thinking to support decision making, with a focus on the public safety and national security spheres. She has served in a variety of roles in the US federal government and is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. Ms. Marquis has taught critical thinking skills to local, state, federal, and international government and public safety audiences.
Webinar hosting presenter
Fire Chief, Prince William County Fire & Rescue (Ret.)
Webinar hosting presenter
Fire Chief, Minooka Fire Protection District and VCOS Vice Chair
Chief Yancey is the fire chief at Minooka Fire Protection District in Illinois since 2003. Chief Yancey started his fire service career in 1988 as a volunteer. He holds a bachelor's degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale and is a 2009 graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Chief Yancey is currently a Director on the Volunteer and Combination Officer Section of the IAFC, is the Volunteer/Combination Director for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Assoc., and is President of Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 15.

Chief Yancey has presented at various local, state and national conferences on the subjects of leading a combination fire department, health and wellness in the fire service, and recruitment and retention

Chief Yancey is married to Kristen and they have two children.. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, swimmimg, exercise, camping, being outdoors.
Webinar hosting presenter
Fire Chief, German Township Fire Department (Ret.)
John M. Buckman III served as a German Township Fire Chief managing volunteers for 35 years. He is most proud of the title “pawpaw.” Leslie his wife has spent 29 years together. He currently serves as Education Coordinator for the International Association of Fire Chief Volunteer and Combination Officers Section. He is the Director of Government and Regional Outreach for IamResponding. He served as the Indiana Fire Academy Director for 15 years. He served as President of the International Association of Fire Chief in 2001-2002.

He has authored over 150 articles in various publications. In 1996 he was selected by Fire Chief Magazine as Fire Chief of the Year in 1996. He has published 4 books and 7 photography books. He received the Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Meritorious Service Award. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022 he received the Jimmy Seavey Health and Wellness award presented by the NVFC. and the Presidents Award from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.

He was one of the founders of the Volunteer and Combination Officer Section (VCOS) and the National Fire Academy Alumni Association. He has contributed to several “ribbon reports” published by the VCOS. He was asked to be one of the editors for the original Lavender Ribbon Report published by the VCOS and NVFC in 2019. In 2021 he along with Brian McQueen spearheaded the update for the Lavender Ribbon Report. He is a principal author of the Yellow Ribbon Report and the updated updated Training Volunteers white paper published by the National Volunteer Fire Council and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section.
Hosted By
International Association of Fire Chiefs webinar platform hosts Thinking Critically About "Adaptive" Challenges is Key to a Chief Officer's Success
The International Association of Fire Chiefs represents the leadership of over 1.2 million firefighters and emergency responders. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
Documents
PDF
071124 Critical Thinking handout.pdf
OTHER
205 S. Stricker Street
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