Retold Story

The following is a story I wrote a few years ago when I was asked to submit "street stories" to be published in a fire fighter's text book. This particular story did not make it to print, so I will publish it here:

Bill was a bully. It was a well-known fact. As I prepared to move to his station (I was the young, new Lieutenant) the departing officer and others warned me of his temper. It was not that Bill was a bad guy, he was an exceptional engineer, knew his area, and was willing to teach others his trade. It was just that he pumped iron all day like a prison inmate, never smiled, and used every opportunity to perpetuate the idea that he would physical assault anyone who crossed him. Rumor had it that he was no longer a paramedic because he threw a less-than-cooperative patient out the back door of the ambulance.I do not even remember the source of the conflict that put me squarely in Bill's crosshairs that day. It might have been anything that struck him wrong. The bottom line was that I was going to do something and Bill was certain that I should not. Without either of us raising our voices, I was suddenly too close to a glowering, muscle-bound, angry man. As he clenched his fists and stepped into my "personal space" I did the only thing that came to mind - I simply stepped a bit closer and tilted my chin to make a great target for him. I never did find that technique in any management book on personnel conflict, but it worked. He immediately backed down and apologized. I was amazed. In retrospect, and once my knees stopped shaking, I realized that I had simply called his bluff. He knew that one simple contact with his fist and he would no longer be working with me. He had too much to lose. By standing up for what I knew was right, I indicated that I was not going to play the game he used so often. He had no choice but to back down. In looking back at this incident, I realize now that Bill respected what I did and we actually became friends.Sometimes a company officer needs to stand up for what he or she believes is right and be willing to take the hit. I believe this sort of risk taking is an important aspect of leadership. Even if you deserve respect, it will not come automatically by taking the easy way out.