As Great as You Please, However Great

(Photo credit: Unique Taching Resources)

Quantuvis: "As great as you please, however great" (Latin Word List)

Do you ever look at something and wonder how it works? Do you take a road just to see where it goes not caring if it goes anywhere? Curiosity is a great motivator moving us along our path--whatever the path may be and wherever it takes us. Although a motivator, curiosity alone may not be enough to move us to action--to move beyond the comfort of the known and into the world of the unknown.

The pursuit of greatness requires more than curiosity; it requires courage. Courage is what moves us from curious and into action. Courage allows us to accept the risks associated with whatever limits us from reaching our full and unbridled potential. Courage allows us to ask the tough questions. Courage allows us to try, to succeed or fail, and to move beyond the sole success or the many failures.

One of the barriers to greatness is fear. Fear on the fireline can result in poor performance or worse yet, injury or death.

Fear: Fire leaders work to keep fear from being a barrier by understanding those fears that affect their team. Fear can destroy communication and, with it, trust and cohesion. In looking out for our people, we are mindful of their fears and vigilant in eliminating unnecessary fears. (Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 48)

(Photo credit: Polka Dot)

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper

"Fire leaders are expected to lead in many directions, an expectation that increases complexity and risk. Summoning the courage needed to intervene and influence peers or leaders above can be difficult, especially if providing unwelcome feedback about behavior or pointing out an alternative to a potentially bad decision." (Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 48)

•   Watch Ramsey Musallam's video "Three Rules to Spark Learning."

• Answer the following questions:
• What is your curiosity level?
• Can you identify what is limiting you from reaching your full potential? 
• Do you have the courage it takes to be a little curious and move beyond the comfort of the known?
• Do you have the courage and fortitude to lead up and stand up for potentially bad decisions?
• How great do you want to be? Is the sky the limit or are you shooting for the moon?