Responding to and preparing for the response requires firefighters to ask the right questions for the best outcome. Our performance as a team is impacted by asking the right questions. For structure fires we need to be asking questions like; are there occupants, what type of building is it, what hazards exist, where is the nearest fire hydrant, what do we know about conditions based on the 911 callers, etc.

Communications and thoughtful questions are keys both in effective firefighting and loving marriages. Asking the right questions in a marriage relationship is a good way to grow in understanding. I challenge you to consider the art of seeking input from the one you love.

When you look at a question you are considering asking to determining if it is one of the right questions to ask, consider these question qualifiers:

• The question should start with “what or how“
• It should not start with, “why, when, or who”
• The question should contain “I or we”
• It should take personal responsibility
• The question should not seek to blame
• It should require more than a yes or no answer
• The question should seek to focus on solutions

Some sample questions are; How can I be a better husband/wife? Describe a perfect date night I could take on. How are our communications? How can I make you feel more loved and appreciated? etc.

QUESTIONS

Q: What can you do to improve your communications skills?

Q: When was the last time you reflected on your actions with your spouse?

Q: Are you prone to blame or look for your responsibility?

Q: Do you stop and think before responding to a question?

CALL TO ACTION

1. Write 6 questions you would like to ask your spouse.

2. Determine what the top 3 questions are.

3. Discuss this with your spouse and volunteer to answer 3 questions your spouse would like to ask you.

4. Ask your spouse your 3 questions and actively listen (more on active listening in future blogs).

Go Fan That Fire!