Outside the Box: A Fire & EMS Podcast
Welcome to Outside the Box, a podcast that has evolved from its roots in EMS clinical excellence to a broader exploration of the topics, trends, and challenges surrounding the EMS industry today. Initially launched as a platform for driving clinical performance within emergency medical services, our journey has expanded to encompass a broader array of subjects that touch the lives and work of EMS professionals and beyond.
We now delves into the intersections of healthcare, personal development, industry innovation, and the myriad professional experiences of the EMS world. Our conversations aim to enlighten, inspire, and empower our listeners by covering everything from the critical importance of first impressions in professional settings to leadership, mental health, technological advancements, and the cultural shifts within the EMS landscape.
For our new clinically focused podcast, tune in to Sirens & Stethoscopes.
New episodes will be released bi-weekly
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Outside the Box: A Fire & EMS Podcast
Feedback Fuels Growth
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In this episode of Outside the Box, we dig into the art and the struggle of giving and receiving feedback. Leaders in fire and EMS know it is uncomfortable, but it is also essential for fostering growth, building trust, and cultivating a strong culture. From “you should know better” frustrations to timely, specific coaching, we unpack how feedback can build people up instead of breaking them down. We also flip the mirror on leaders, because it is not just about giving feedback, it is about being open to hearing it ourselves.
Feedback feels uncomfortable because it forces us to confront not just our performance, but also our behavior, and often at inopportune times. Yet vague feedback like “good job” is rarely enough. The most effective feedback is timely, specific, and focuses on actions rather than personality, demonstrating belief in someone’s potential rather than criticism of who they are. At the same time, receiving feedback requires humility and perspective, as it can either bruise egos or build credibility depending on how we handle it.
Ultimately, feedback is not just advice; it is one of the most powerful tools leaders have to shape culture, inspire growth, and develop trust within their teams. The question every leader must ask is this: Are we willing to give it honestly and receive it openly?