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Mission
To provide practical tools, training, and guidance that help individuals grow into effective supervisors, managers, and leaders—resulting in stronger teams and more successful organizations.
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Vision
Organizations led by confident, accountable supervisors, managers, and leaders who consistently meet their mission and attain their vision.
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Guiding Principles
Growth over comfort – Meaningful development requires challenge.
Lead by example – Credibility begins with personal accountability.
Empower others to flourish – Strong leaders build capable, resilient teams.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Mike Kraus for his extensive involvement and unwavering support in helping our members prepare for their promotional exams. His leadership book, included on our exam reading list, proved to be an invaluable resource. We are grateful for his dedication, his expertise, and the positive impact he continues to have on our organization.”
— Kevin D | Vice President, Philadelphia Fire Officers Association
About Mike Kraus
Fire Chief to Leadership Coach — Building Better Bosses
I began my California fire service career as a reserve firefighter and concluded it 33 years later as a fire chief. Over those decades, I had the privilege of working alongside highly capable professionals, serving my community, and leading organizations where decisions carried real consequences.
Throughout my career, I was directly responsible for developing supervisors, managers, and leaders—often learning firsthand what happens when individuals are promoted without adequate preparation. That experience shaped my belief that authority carries obligation, and preparation must come before promotion.
My tenure as fire chief coincided with one of the most challenging economic periods since the Great Depression. Faced with severe financial constraints, I learned the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and leading people through uncertainty. That period reinforced a lesson I carry forward today: leadership is not about title or position—it is about responsibility, trust, and making difficult decisions with integrity.
Today, my work focuses on helping individuals and organizations avoid common leadership pitfalls by establishing strong foundations before authority is granted. I specialize in leadership development, team building, labor–management relations, and strategic planning, and I deliver my signature 3-Step “Boss Up!” Program to help organizations build their own Boss Factory—a system that intentionally develops capable supervisors, managers, and leaders over time.
While my roots are in public service, the principles behind my work apply equally to private-sector organizations. Whether leading a department or a corporation, the goal is the same: prepare people to lead responsibly—then help them grow.
