Becoming a new instructor, assuming the role of training officer, writing an article for publication or submitting a presentation can be challenging and intimidating. During times such as these, it helps to have a trusted network of professionals to provide coaching, guidance and mentoring.
The ISFSI is committed to providing every member with exactly that, a professional networking framework dedicated to coaching and mentoring. Effective coaching and mentoring promotes collaboration while developing and retaining talent. With that in mind, we are excited to announce the new ISFSI Mentoring/Coaching Initiative.
What does this new initiative mean for you? It means that you will be connected with fire service educators around the globe in a way like never before. Perspective mentees are matched with mentors based on the type of guidance that is being requested through an initial survey.
The initiative can be used to facilitate various “mentoring tiers” such as single-session and multiple-session events. Best of all, there is no added fee for ISFSI members. Your annual membership dues provide access to every aspect of the initiative.
The Mentoring/Coaching Initiative Committee has been hard at work with respect to making this concept a reality. The committee consists of 14 fire service professionals representing a wide cross-section of the United States and Canada. We have developed a mission, values and vision statement to guide us in our efforts. On behalf of the committee, I would like to discuss each of these in detail.
Mission
“The mission of the ISFSI mentoring/coaching initiative is to create a superior professional networking framework that connects ISFSI members for project-based and/or position-based feedback, guidance and professional growth.”
Our mission statement highlights the importance of providing project-based and/or position-based feedback, guidance and professional growth. This may be done over one session or multiple sessions, based on what is being requested by the mentee. NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, will serve as a guide for both the mentees and mentors.
Single-session events may include the review of an article, presentation, curriculum vitae, or several other items. Multiple-session events may include a new promotion, professional credentialing, developing a training program, or any other JPR as outlined in NFPA 1041.
Vision
“To establish the premier professional networking framework in the fire service by providing dynamic coaching and mentoring services designed to meet the needs of our members.”
The Mentoring/Coaching Initiative will utilize the latest technologies including an online software solution designed to identify, connect and equip mentees and mentors alike. The entire matching and communication process is dynamic in nature and provides timely, flexible and consistent feedback.
Our vision is geared towards meeting the needs of our membership. A survey has been constructed to ensure that we are doing just that. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts using the ISFSI Mentoring/Coaching Initiative Survey. The information you provide to us is essential to building the proper framework, focus areas and software solution.
Values
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Member Engagement
- Continuous Improvement
- Professional Development
These values represent the core beliefs of our committee and serve as a basis for every decision made. The Mentoring/Coaching Initiative takes an innovative approach to continuous improvement and professional development by working collaboratively through a mentee/mentor relationship.
This new relationship between the mentee and mentor will strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of both parties while furthering the mission and vision of the ISFSI. Member engagement is an essential ingredient for both this initiative as well as the ISFSI as a whole.
Stay Tuned
Be sure to stay tuned to resources such as the Academy Newsletter and the ISFSI website for additional information and updates regarding the Mentoring/Coaching Initiative. This is only the beginning, and we will continue to strive to meet the needs of our membership.
Special thanks to the members of the Mentoring/Coaching Initiative Committee for their commitment and dedication to the initiative. Please remember that every member of the ISFSI can apply to be part of one of the many committees working to inspire, support and elevate fire instructors around the world.