IGNITE: From Followership to Leadership

Leaders also help their people grow by mentoring and sharing experiences. Mentoring them begins their journey from followership to leadership. – Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, page 40

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence!‪#‎fireleadership‬ ‪#‎fireminis‬
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

Jerry Ingersoll Receives Lead by Example Award

(Jerry Ingersoll and Jim Pena; photo credit: Monica Neal)

Jerry Ingersoll

Forest Supervisor
Siuslaw National Forest
Honored for Motivation and Vision

Jerry Ingersoll has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2015 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Four individuals from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

The award was created by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason’s contributions to the wildland fire service. During a career spanning five decades, Paul was a dedicated student of fire, a teacher of fire, and a leader of firefighters. The intent of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who exhibit this same spirit and who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles. Jerry’s work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of motivation and vision.

(Jerry Ingersoll; photo credit: Monica Neal)

Jerry was recognized for his support of and commitment to the Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA) concept. Jerry's willingness to devote personal time and energy to change the way the fire community looks at accidents has helped provide a cultural shift in wildland fire management as well as in safety management in general. As a cadre member for the FLA Workshop, he assisted in developing people for the future—for future FLAs and preparation for learning from unintended outcomes.

(Jim Pena, Jerry Ingersoll, and Shane Olson; photo credit: Monica Neal)

Out of respect for firefighters and other employees, Jerry has emphasized through word and deed the need to treat people fairly in the wake of accidents and near misses. Rather than holding people up for ridicule or blame, he sought to look out for employees’ well-being.

IGNITE: Teaching Future Generations

Old fires carry embers that can turn to flame and teach new lessons to later generations. – John Maclean

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence!‪#‎fireleadership‬ ‪#‎fireminis‬
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

Tommy Hayes Receives Lead by Example Award

(Tommy Hayes and Paul Hohn; photo by Jessica Gardetto)

Tommy Hayes
Equipment Specialist
BLM Fire Operations and Safety - NIFC
BLM Fire and Aviation Honor Guard Member

Honored for Mentoring and Teamwork

Tommy Hayes has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2015 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Four individuals from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

The award was created by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason’s contributions to the wildland fire service. During a career spanning five decades, Paul was a dedicated student of fire, a teacher of fire, and a leader of firefighters. The intent of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who exhibit this same spirit and who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles. Tommy’s work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of mentoring and teamwork.

(Anissa and Tommy Hayes; photo by Jessica Gardetto)

Tommy was recognized for his authentic leadership and living example of the Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles. Few know his history following the South Canyon fire and how that experience created a passion to assist others during times of crisis. His service as a member of the BLM Honor Guard has been instrumental in bringing about change within the wildland fire service to honor those lost in the line of duty.

As a Family Liaison/Advocate, Tommy understands that the job never ends and has committed himself to a lifetime of service beyond self and job. Additionally, Tommy's caring and compassionate leadership helps families endure the loss of their loved ones. The unconditional love Tommy exhibits for those he encounters whether through crisis or on a day-to-day basis is an example of what right looks like and an inspiration to all.

IGNITE: Providing Feedback

Leaders provide feedback by creating open lines of communication and providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, perspectives, and concerns. – Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, page 57

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence!
‪#‎fireleadership‬ ‪#‎fireminis‬
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

Rowdy Muir Receives Lead by Example Award

(Frank Guzman, Acting USFS Deputy Director of Fire & Aviation Management, presenting Rowdy Muir with the 2015 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award)

If I can leave a positive impact on at least one person, I could leave this life knowing I was successful. - Rowdy Muir 

Rowdy Muir
District Ranger

Flaming Gorge Ranger District, USFS
Honored for Initiative and Innovation

Rowdy Muir has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2015 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Four individuals from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

The award was created by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason’s contributions to the wildland fire service. During a career spanning five decades, Paul was a dedicated student of fire, a teacher of fire, and a leader of firefighters. The intent of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who exhibit this same spirit and who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles. Rowdy’s work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of motivation and vision.

Rowdy was recognized for his ability to take care of people and ensuring students of fire and leadership at every level have the best possible opportunity for success. Rowdy's willingness to not only develop and deliver leadership development opportunities but also uphold the very values and principles he presents through personal initiative and innovative teaching methods are commendable. His work with the newly approved L-380 agency training package provides a set of tools and techniques junior leaders can use to build and maintain cohesive crews or teams.

(Dan Olsen, Acting USFS Director of Fire & Aviation Management, congratulating Rowdy Muir)

As a student of leadership himself, Rowdy embodies the values of duty, respect, and integrity and inspires such values within others. Rowdy knows the importance of being a continuous learner and shows others the value of learning by personal example and commitment to self-development. His willingness to share his story and opinion through blogs and articles so that others might learn is valued and appreciated.

(A humbled Rowdy Muir)

Congratulations, Rowdy, on a job well done!

ROWDY'S RULES OF LEADERSHIP

1. Empower your subordinates to lead. 
2. Mentor, mentor, mentor and then get out of the way. 
3. Lead by example. 
4. Learn from your mistakes. 
5. Always play as a team. 
6. Along the journey make time to get in the dirt with them.

[If you have access to Facebook, click here to see Rowdy's award presentation.]

ABOUT THE AWARD

The award was created by the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee to remember Paul Gleason’s contributions to the wildland fire service. During a career spanning five decades, Paul was a dedicated student of fire, a teacher of fire, and a leader of firefighters. The intent of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who exhibit this same spirit and who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles.

IGNITE: We Change Ourselves

Others don’t change us. We change ourselves. – Dan Rockwell

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence!
‪#‎fireleadership‬ ‪#‎fireminis‬
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

IGNITE: We Lead to Make a Difference

So why do we choose to lead? We lead because leading is where we make a difference. – Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, page 6

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence!‪
#‎fireleadership‬ ‪#‎fireminis‬
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

Adam Hernandez on Competitiveness and Camaraderie

Competitiveness and Camaraderie from The Smokey Generation on Vimeo.

Competitiveness can be a motivator for some people. A leader's job is to find the best way to blend competitiveness into the workplace—to make work fun yet productive and safe. Overly competitive members of a team can actual cause dissension. Know what drives your people and how to guide their motivation.  "How to Use Competition in the Workplace - For Dummies" by Marlee B. Sprenger gives a quick look at competition in the workplace.

Motivation and Expectations 
(Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, pp. 46-47)

Leaders understand that people derive motivation from individual values and needs; others cannot force a person to be motivated any more than one person can force another to change. However, we recognize that leaders are responsible for putting in place the conditions in which people are motivated to act. To create these conditions, fire leaders start by taking the time to learn about our people—understanding their internal motivations and accepting them as unique individuals.

In addition, leaders keep in mind that each team member has expectations regarding the benefits—overt as well as intrinsic—they will receive from their work.

Many barriers can prevent people’s expectations from being met: poor relationships with their peers, intrusive supervision, inadequate resources, or work without meaning. 

Fire leaders work to reduce barriers and increase benefits such as giving people a sense of achievement, recognizing accomplishments, resolving unhealthy conflict, providing meaningful work, increasing the responsibilities, and offering opportunities for advancement.

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What is your story? We challenge you to become a part of this amazing  project and share your leadership stories. Bethany Hannah began The Smokey Generation: A Wildland Fire Oral History and Digital Storytelling Project for her master's thesis. All members of the wildland fire service, not just hotshots, can share their stories by following her example. Click here for potential leadership questions. Visit The Smokey Generation website for complete information.

IGNITE: Leaders are Teachers

Critical incidents present opportunities for leaders to teach important lessons about appropriate norms of behavior. – Kouzes & Posner, The Leadership Challenge

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence!

‪#‎fireleadership‬ ‪#‎fireminis‬
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

IGNITE: Leader's Intent

Issuing clear instructions includes a requirement for providing leader’s intent. Leader’s intent provides the foundation for ensuring that tasks are fully understood. – Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, page 33

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence! 

#fireleadership #fireminis
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

Branching Out

(Photo credit: Hemera Technologies)

One of the best opportunities I've been a part of while on the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee the last 15 years has been the chance to benchmark other organizations (and no, not just the military). Often times these organizations have had no direct correlation to wildland firefighting but have provided great learning and growth opportunities from which to expand our program. Most recently the Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher group produced a leadership module benchmarking the Seattle Seahawks.

Leadership is much like a tree with a common root system from which we all grow. The basic leadership principles are all the same. How we apply those principles is what makes our particular branch grow and thrive...or not. By observing the health of other branches as well as own, we can identify problems early and apply care and correction to keep the rest of the tree and root structure healthy.

The Benefits of Benchmarking

Ward Group®, a leading provider of benchmarking and best practices studies for insurance companies, shares the benefits of benchmarking.

Benchmarking is a common practice and sensible exercise to establish baselines, define best practices, identify improvement opportunities and create a competitive environment within the organization. Benchmarking helps companies:

• Gain an independent perspective about how well they perform compared to other companies 
• Clearly identify specific areas of opportunity 
• Validate assumptions 
• Prioritize improvement opportunities 
• Set performance expectations 
• Monitor company performance and manage change

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper

• What is your local unit/organization doing to benchmark other organizations?
• Are other organizations benchmarking you?
• Is there an organization you think the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee should benchmark? Contact us.

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My First Stop - Never Stop Learning : My Two Passions Come Together
I recently had the opportunity to bring my two passions—faith and leadership development—together in the learning environment. As part of my self-development and benchmarking opportunity for the program, I attended Faith and Leadership Week (part of the Executive Scholars program) at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. For four days, professors shared path-breaking thought research and current trends in leadership. Everything I learned during my week at Kellogg can and will be transferred to the wildland fire service. Students of fire leadership will recognize the topics we studied:

• Living the Vision
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Persuasion and Influence
• Decision Making
• Team Building
• Leading Mission-Driven Change
• Leading Today

This is a part of my personal journey for the 2016 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign—Never Stop Learning. Be sure to check back often for the next stop on my journey...it could involve you!

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About the Author:
Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.

IGNITE: Encouragement

We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics. – Joyce Meyer

Do your part and share throughout your sphere of influence!

#fireleadership #fireminis
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

IGNITE: Planning & Mentoring

Our organizational leaders plan for future operations as well as mentor promising people for key roles in our organizations. – Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, page 23

IGNITE the Spark for Leadership. LIKE and SHARE throughout your networks. ‪#‎fireleadership‬ ‪#‎fireminis‬
http://www.fireleadership.gov/

Texas Wildfire Handcrew Receives Honorable Mention in National Challenge

Jan. 26, 2016 — COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Lone Star State Type II Initial Attack Crew from Texas A&M Forest Service recently received honorable mention in the 2015 IGNITE the Spark for Leadership Award for its commitment to developing leaders.

The award recognizes leadership development efforts within the wildland fire community. In the spirit of healthy competition, this year’s theme was “Followership is Leadership.”

"We've heard firefighters say they’re too busy fighting fires to 'do' leadership. We designed this challenge as a way to incorporate leadership development throughout the wildland fire service,” said Pam McDonald of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's Leadership Subcommittee. “Leadership is not just something we do as part of our day job. Leadership transcends the fireline, making personal lives and society as a whole better.”

The Lone Star State Crew consists of 46 personnel from across Texas, with various backgrounds including forestry, wildfire, predictive services, training and finance. Being scattered throughout Texas presents unique challenges, however, the crew maintains cohesion and functionality.

“I’m proud of the success of the crew,” Rich Gray, Texas A&M Forest Service task force coordinator said. “My admiration of this crew is that egos and authorities are left at home and the crew functions as a cohesive team with each crew member having valuable and respected input.”

Over the last year, the Lone Star State Crew worked on increasing skill sets and developing crew members into frontline leaders. This includes participating in several week-long training exchanges with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the USDA Forest Service including prescribed fires, saw work, unit preparation, incident within an incident scenarios and fire ecology classes.

“As a crew we are constantly developing leadership amongst our ranks. Some of the best leaders we have on the crew do not serve in leadership positions but still mentor those around them,” Steven Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service resource specialist said.

Although the crew was formed over two years ago, 2015 presented the first opportunity for them to respond out of state at the Colville National Forest in Washington.

“My time in Washington showed me what a leader should be. It was my first time out on assignment and my crew bosses always kept me informed of changes. At no point did I ever feel that my voice or opinion couldn’t be heard,” Charles Sanson, Texas A&M Forest Service resource specialist said. “Communication was a key aspect in our crew’s success.”

Texas A&M Forest Service positions itself as a leader in incident response and this recognition demonstrates one of the many ways the agency develops nationally-recognized leaders within its ranks.

"We are following in the path of previous TFS leaders and building the foundation and skill sets required to lead at various levels,” Gray said. “The experiences and lessons learned here will translate into future leaders within the agency."

Members of the Lone Star State Type II Initial Attack Crew are: Steven Moore, Rich Gray, Bryan Collins, Dustin Morris, Colton Curles, Danny Al-Batal, Brian Backhaus, William Gage, Jared Karns, Mike Kuhnert, Andy McCrady, Matthew Bernhardt, Mitch LaMonte, Gabe Mahlum, Will Rosen, Travis Sagebiel, Logan Scherschel, Kelly Reeves-Weaver, Jason Calvet , Jason Furmaniak, Bryant “Del” Birdwell, Kevin Boyd, Nick Dawson, Corby Kokemoor, Ryan Laube, Meredith McNeil, Lance McDaniel, Joshua Mizrany, Calvin Newman, Crockett Pegoda, Wade Powell, Tyler Slaydon, Matthew Whelan, Steve Willingham, Cody Lambert, Gerald Baker, Lee Andersen, Elliot Borman, Mark Fikes, Kari Hines, David Ivy, Zack Jones, Luke Kanclerz, Nicole Lang, Colton Newton, Sal Machado, Charles Sanson, Jordan Smith, Steven Smith, Robert Webster and John Will.

To learn more about the awards visit http://www.fireleadership.gov/index.html.

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Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
Steven Moore; Resource Specialist; 254-716-9595; smoore@tfs.tamu.edu
Jessica Jackson; Communications Specialist; 979-458-6619; jjackson@tfs.tamu.edu

Reprinted from the Newsroom.