Leading can be a frustrating enterprise. Transforming a group of individuals who contest change at every step into an inspired team isn’t easy. Forging Your Team by Johnny Torgeson (Dr. JT) is the solution you’ve been searching for. Designed specifically for first responders, this book delves deep into the art of team dynamics and development. It replaces tired concepts with novel approaches. Chalked with practical advice, insightful stories, and actionable strategies, Dr. JT equips you with the tools you need to be intentional and influence your people to greatness. Lead differently and step into your purpose with forging your team. 

This book is ideal for: 

· Fire service leaders and officers 

· Team leaders and managers in first responder organizations 

· Individuals interested in team development and leadership 

· Anyone looking to improve their understanding of team dynamics and strategies for building effective, cohesive teams 

3 key lessons you’ll learn from this book: 

1. Understanding Team Dynamics: Learn to distinguish the differences between groups, crews, and teams. “If you led a cohesive unit to trust, communicate, and remain loyal through a culture of love and caring for one another’s wellbeing, you have a team.” How you get to that point is the focal pointof this manuscript. You will understand how to transition a group of individuals into a cohesive, highly optimized team that functions like a family. 

2. Motivating and Empowering Employees: Discover strategies to motivate, influence, and empower employees based on their unique needs. “The ultimate goal of team leadership is to care for people and influence them to transcend their personal growth while leveraging their abilities.” Tailoring your leadership approach to individual team members can significantly enhance their performance and engagement. 

3. Implementing Team Development Strategies: Gain insights into proven team development strategies and learn how to navigate and implement them. You’ll learn how to “unify leading and managing into one seamless process in order to forge a team based on relational outcomes.” You’ll understand team development phases and lead using a relational systems leadership strategy, which helps create a family atmosphere fostering collaboration and trust. 

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Table of contents

Foreword by Jason Serrano

Preface

Acknowledgment

Introduction

Part 1

The Initial Size-Up of Fire Service
Leadership and Teams

1. Fire Service Leadership

• Introduction
• Leadership Overview
• Leadership Theory
• Formal and Informal Leadership
• The Artistry of Leadership
• The Distinctiveness of Motivation
• Leadership Myth
• Never Lead Alone
• Leadership Sphere of Influence
• Leadership Extension Ladder
• Leadership Trapping
• Occupational Leadership Theory for the Fire Service Leader
• Chapter 1 Questions
  
  

2. Fire Service Teams

• Introduction
• Different Types of Collectives
• The Family Team
• Values and Team Development
• The Importance of Intentionality
• Fire Service Team Theory
• Team Culture Immersion
• Forging a Leadership Team
• Chapter 2 Questions
  
  

Part 2

The Dynamic Risk Assessment
of Contemporary Thought

3. Team Optimization versus High Performing Team

• Introduction
• The AHA! Moment of Team Optimization
• What’s the Difference?
• The Fire Service Demands Team Optimization
• Chapter 3 Questions
  
  

4. Forging a Team versus Creating a Team

• Introduction
• Forging a 49er Destiny
• What’s the Difference
• The Forging Process
• Chapter 4 Questions

5. Active versus Passive Empowerment

• Introduction
• The Five Ws
• Chapter 5 Questions

Part 3

Team Development Incident Action Plan

6. Phases of Forging a Team

• Introduction
• Chaos Phase
• Controlled-Chaos Phase
• Erratic Phase
• Identity Phase
• Acceleration Phase
• Regeneration Phase
• Chapter 6 Questions

7. Relational Systems Leadership

• Introduction
• The Story of Relational Systems Leadership
• Relational Systems Leadership Theory
• Application of Relational Systems Leadership
• Relational Systems Leadership Strategy
• Chapter 7 Questions

8. Forging Your Team

• Introduction
• The Story of Forging Your Team
• The Four Pursuits of Forging Your Team (MEDS)
• Team Development Action Plan
• Team Development Action Plan Template
• Work Hard, Play Hard Mentality
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Execution and Team Development Success
• Chapter 8 Questions

Part 4

Transferring Command of
Team Leadership and Development

9. Carry the Torch

• Opposition Will Come
• So, What Now?
• Getting Started
• Call to Action
• Chapter 9 Questions

Answer Key

Notes

Index