Firefighting Is Not Leadership

Lately, nearly every leader I coach says something similar: “It feels like everything’s on fire.”

Have you felt like this lately? If so, you’re not alone! The end of the year brings an avalanche of deadlines, last-minute requests, and “urgent” projects that all seem to need attention right now.

It’s become an inside joke in more than one company I’ve worked with — leaders calling themselves “firefighters” as they sprint from one blaze to the next. The problem is that kind of chaos starts to feel normal.

When everything feels urgent, the truly important work gets lost in chaos. People who plan poorly create crises for everyone else. And suddenly, your calm, capable team is running on adrenaline instead of purpose. You’re not alone in that. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

What if the goal wasn’t to get better at firefighting, but to build a culture where fewer things ignite in the first place?

That starts with you. When leaders stop rewarding panic and start prioritizing clarity, teams follow. When you pause before rushing in, you teach others to plan ahead. When you focus on what truly matters, urgency no longer becomes the default.

The result?
More focus.
Less anxiety.
And the space to lead with intention, rather than react.

The year isn’t over yet, but you don’t need to finish it in a blaze of exhaustion. Put down the hose. Decide what truly deserves your fire. If you’re ready to spend less time reacting and more time leading, I would love to talk.