Are You Repelling Your People?

Have you ever conducted the pepper and water science experiment? 

 

How to:

• Prepare a dish of soapy water.
• Prepare another dish of water with pepper sprinkled on top.
• Fully submerge your finger in the dish with soap water. 
• Dip your soap-covered finger into the dish of pepper water. 

Result: The pepper should repel away from your soapy finger.

We have spent the last nine months talking about command presence as part of the 2020 Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program Campaign. We asked you if you knew who you were? Are you figuring it out? Do you have good command presence or is it a repellant to those you lead?

Command Presence (Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 20 )

More than anything else, the leader’s command presence sets the tone for the command climate. Command presence is how we present ourselves to others, the myriad of personal attributes and behaviors that communicates to others that we are worthy of their trust and respect. 

Character is the foundation of command presence. All people reveal their character in every interaction, and character shapes and permeates a leader’s command presence. 

Another component of command presence—demeanor—speaks volumes to others. Poise and self-assurance play a large part in shaping the image projected. Effective leaders project an image that is calm, organized, and focused on success. 

Fire leaders take charge when in charge; we lead from the front and act decisively. In times of crisis, a leader’s command presence can be the critical factor in determining whether a team succumbs to pressures and dangers or stays focused to seize an opportunity to overcome and succeed. We inspire confidence among team members by demonstrating a strong and effective command presence. 

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper

• If you haven't already, join the 2020 campaign on Facebook, Twitter, or our website.
• Join our private Facebook group dedicated solely to developing command presence.