The Four Levels of Leadership

Followership is Leadership: Are you up for the challenge?

The Four Levels of Leadership

“A leader is not necessarily someone who holds a formal position of leadership or who is perceived as a leader by others. Rather, a leader is one who is able to affect positive change for the betterment of others, the community, and society. All people, in other words, are potential leaders. Moreover, the process of leadership cannot be described simply in terms of the behavior of an individual; rather leadership involves collaborative relationships that lead to collective action grounded in the shared values of people who work together to affect positive change.” – Higher Education Research Institute

Regardless of their place in the organization, every wildland fire professional reports to or follows someone or something (board, committee, etc.). Therefore, every wildland fire profession is a leader. Each assumes one of four leadership roles within the wildland fire service:

• Follower
• Leader of People
• Leader of Leaders
• Leader of Organizations

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge

• Read about the “Levels of Leadership” on page 33 of Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.