Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Mandela's Ten Rules for Success


We would like to give Florida Forest Service a huge shout out for contributing to the 2020 WFLDP 
Campaign. The focus on Nelson Mandela was very informative and engaging. As a capstone to the focus on Mandela, we share Evan Carmichael's vlog. This collection of interviews forms Mandela's 10 Rules for Success.

Monday, September 28, 2020

IGNITE: From Mistakes to Lessons

lightning storm

“Make the mistakes of yesterday your lessons for today.” ♦ Unknown ♦

[Photo: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]
#fireleadership

Friday, September 25, 2020

Challenge 37: WFLPD Campaign

2020 WFLDP Campaign logo and challenge

Challenge 37: Effective leaders are great storytellers.
  • Read our blog “Leadership is in the Story.” (https://bit.ly/38DyqBq)
  • Select a storytelling technique that you would like to enhance. Journalize your process.
#2020WFLDPCampaign #commandpresence

Thursday, September 24, 2020

IGNITE: Bringing Order to Chaos

“Fire leaders bring order to chaos, improve our people’s lives, and strengthen our organizations.” ♦ Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 6

[Photo: Elsa Gaule/Tallac IHC]

#fireleadership

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

"We Will Rebuild"


Our most powerful stories come from the field. With permission we share Josie Woodbridge's story. Josie and Josh, a former Asheville hotshot now working for Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, lost their home in Talent, OR, to the Almeda fire.

We send our condolences to all those affected by the devastating impacts of wildland fire. No one is immune from wildfire. May we all take a moment to reflect upon Josie's story and seek for understanding the resilience expressed in her words. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Are You Repelling Your People?

2020 WFLDP logo

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.

Monday, September 21, 2020

IGNITE: Our Responsibility

sawyer felling a tree

It is our responsibility as leaders, positive difference-makers, and change agents to never stop learning, unlearning, and re-learning. ♦ George Raveling ♦

[Photo: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]

#fireleadership

Friday, September 18, 2020

Challenge 36: 2020 WFLDP Campaign

2020 WFLDP Campaign logo and challenge

Challenge 36: Effective leaders embrace an infinite mindset.
  • Watch Inc.’s interview with Simon Sinek. (https://youtu.be/uhZdbL-ekW8)
  • Read "The Infinite Game."
#2020WFLDPCampaign #commandpresence

Thursday, September 17, 2020

IGNITE: Humility


flower with sunset in background

“Great leaders don’t see themselves as great, they see themselves as human.” ♦ Simon Sinek ♦

[Photo: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]

#fireleadership

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Are Your Slides Distorted?

slide
("Project 365 #72: 130309 Slip Slidin' Away" by comedy_nose is marked with CC PDM 1.0)

We talk a lot about the importance of slides we stash away and refer to when reflecting or making decisions. Just like about everything on this planet, there is an equal and opposite effect. Can how we access the slides be hampering your ability to make sound and logical decisions?

Monday, September 14, 2020

IGNITE: In What Direction Are you Moving?


Single-engine air tanker
The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving. ♦ O.W. Holmes, American Jurist ♦
[Photo: Asad Rahman]

#fireleadership

Friday, September 11, 2020

Challenge 35: 2020 WFLDP Campaign



2020 WFLDP Campaign logo and campaign

Challenge 35: Effective leaders build the team.
  • Share your lesson plans/ideas with the WFLDP.
  • Suggest a book or video for the Professional Reading Program and Leadership in Media.
  • Write a blog on your experience or submit a post/tweet for the WFLDP Facebook/Twitter.
#2020WFLDPCampaign #commandpresence #fireleadership

Thursday, September 10, 2020

IGNITE: Let's Work Together



wildland fire sawyer

Changing the world takes more than everything any one person knows, but not more than we know together. So let's work together. ♦ Simon Sinek ♦

[Photo: William Reid/Lauren Jackson]

#fireleadership

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Lacrosse and Leadership

lacrosse racquet/ball and WFLDP hat
(Credit: George Risko)
 
Lacrosse and leadership, I love and have a passion for both; so, Wonder Twins powers, activate!

Those who know me are well aware of my love of sports—all sports. I have my favorite teams in football, basketball, and my favorite fighters in MMA. You name it, I am a fan.

Monday, September 7, 2020

IGNITE: Labor Day 2020


No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. ♦ Martin Luther King, Jr. ♦

[Photo: Justin Vernon]

#fireleadership

Friday, September 4, 2020

Challenge 34: 2020 WFLDP Campaign



2020 WFLDP Campaign logo and challenge

Challenge 34: Effective leaders share their knowledge.
  • Reflect upon Nelson Mandela’s legacy using your notes, the movie, and the book.
  • Develop a command presence discussion guide and share it with your team.
  • Journal your success/challenges.
#2020WFLDPCampaign #commandpresence #fireleadership

Thursday, September 3, 2020

IGNITE: Don't Be Afraid to Fail

firefighters in canoe
“Don't be afraid to fail at things that mean something. Be afraid to succeed at things that mean nothing.” ♦ Alexander den Heijer, motivational speaker ♦

[Photo: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]

#fireleadership

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Never Alone

(Credit: Washington State Department of Natural Resources)

In the summer of 2000, there was a windstorm that came through and knocked down more than 70 miles of power lines, which caused many fires. It was late at night when I answered the phone in the dispatch center. It was my first boss when I was on a fire engine, and his voice was shaking. He said, “Summer, I need help!” Immediately, I knew the voice, as this was someone I respected immensely and was my mentor in many ways.

I said, “What’s going on?” He answered, quickly, “Please call the power company!” He went on to explain that he was on a dirt road and that a power line had snapped and had come down and rested on his truck. He was stuck. He could not move, stretch, reach, open the door, roll down the window, and especially not leave the truck. He was truly stuck and fearful of what was, what is, what may come, and what will be.