Wednesday, November 29, 2017

IGNITE: The Liberation of Communication

Good communication liberates us to do our jobs better. - Max De Pree [drip torch with lake and mountains in the background]
Good communication liberates us to do our jobs better. - Max De Pree
[Photo: Tallac IHC]

Monday, November 27, 2017

IGNITE: Behavior is infectious!

Behavior is infectious! Dacher Keltner [Hotshot crew buggies on a side road]
Behavior is infectious! 
Dacher Keltner

[Photo credit: Redding IHC]

Thursday, November 23, 2017

IGNITE: Expressing Our Gratitude

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy  [sunset photo credit: Baker River IHC]
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy

[Photo credit: Baker River IHC]

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Merritt Island Memorial Dedication and Ransom Road Fire Staff Ride

On November 1 and 2, 2017, the USFWS held a memorial dedication and staff ride at the Merritt Island refuge in Florida. These events were in honor of two fallen firefighters and their families from events that occurred 36 years ago on June 8, 1981.
Not knowing how we take care of our own today, there were some who were anxious about the events. In the end, the family and peers of the fallen who attended were able to realize a healing closure that was long over due.

Monday, November 20, 2017

IGNITE: Character is a choice!

Talent is a gift, but character is a choice. - John C Maxwell (wildland firefighters in rafts)
Talent is a gift, but character is a choice. - John C Maxwell

[Photo credit: Plumas IHC]

Thursday, November 16, 2017

IGNITE: Seeds of Hope

"Even in obstacles, a leader finds the seeds of hope." ~ Steve Gutzler (wildland firefighters scraping the terrain]
Even in obstacles, a leader finds the seeds of hope. - Steve Gutzler

[Photo credit: Baker River IHC]

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Consistency - A Key in Leadership Success

Keys to success
(Pixabay/Free Graphic Today)
A few years back when I was officiating college and high school basketball, I wasn’t considered the best—as a matter of fact I was yelled, screamed, and cursed at by the best of crowds. However, as voted on by the coaches, I was the most consistent referee during my time. There was never a school I couldn’t officiate in. Coaches knew that if I was officiating their game, I would be consistent with my calls.

Monday, November 13, 2017

IGNITE: Ask Questions!

It is better to ask some of the questions than know all the answers. ~ James Thurber ~ (view above the smoke layer)

It is better to ask some of the questions than know all the answers.
~ James Thurber ~

[Photo credit: Redding IHC]

Thursday, November 9, 2017

IGNITE: Expressions of Gratitude

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John Fitzgerald Kennedy (cannon at Gettysburg in the fall)

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John Fitzgerald Kennedy


[Photo credit: Paul Cerda]

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Bigger than Self - An Environment of Service

As we approach Veteran's Day and the conclusion of the 2017 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign - Leading Authentically take a moment to watch this excerpt of Simon Sinek's
"Why good leaders make you feel safe" Ted Talk.


Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper
  • Establish an environment of service within your team or local unit.
  • Read Richard Fagerlin's book Trust•o•logy.

Semper Fidelis OMNA

LtCol Eric Carlson USMC (Ret.), Col Craig Huddleston USMC (Ret.), Col Chris Conlin USMC (Ret.), and General John Kelly USMC (Ret.) and current White House Chief of Staff.
Photo of OMNA Marine veterans taken in Quantico, Virginia, circa 1988. From left to right:
LtCol Eric Carlson USMC (Ret.), Col Craig Huddleston USMC (Ret.), Col Chris Conlin USMC (Ret.), and General John Kelly USMC (Ret.) and current White House Chief of Staff.
Semper Fidelis OMNA
By George Risko

On November 10, 2017 the United States Marine Corps will celebrate its 242nd birthday. Formed at Tunn Tavern, on November 10, 1775, the USMC has gone on to deliver over two centuries of honorable and faithful service to the United States. In those years, the USMC has built up many men and women who then moved on into civilian life, taking with them the proud traditions and leadership qualities learned in the Corps.

Monday, November 6, 2017

IGNITE: Make a Path, Leave a Trail

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ (DC-10 air tanker dropping retardant)
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
[Photo credit: Justin Vernon]

Thursday, November 2, 2017

IGNITE: GAME ON!

It's "game on" every day! [Photo: UAK Nanook Wildland Fire Crew]

It's "game on" every day!

[Photo: UAK Nanooks Wildland Fire Crew]