To encourage his crew toward departmental goals, what should a company officer focus on?

Focusing on keeping firefighters interested in meeting company goals is essential for promoting team cohesion and motivation. When a company officer emphasizes shared goals, it encourages collaboration and fosters a sense of purpose among the crew. This approach cultivates an environment where team members feel invested in their work, leading to increased morale and productivity.

By engaging firefighters in the process of achieving departmental objectives, the officer can help them understand the importance of their individual contributions to the larger mission. This sense of ownership and responsibility not only aids in meeting goals but also enhances job satisfaction. In turn, motivated crew members are more likely to perform effectively and support one another, which is crucial in a high-stakes environment like firefighting.

While other options may have their merits, they do not align as closely with the goal of fostering enthusiasm and commitment to departmental objectives. For instance, strict enforcement of rules can lead to fear or resentment rather than a motivated workforce. Setting personal goals for firefighters can be beneficial, but it may not necessarily drive interest in company-wide goals. Reducing workload might yield short-term relief but can ultimately neglect the importance of teamwork and accountability toward achieving collective aims.