tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86778430907275792632024-03-17T21:01:06.635-06:00Wildland Fire LeadershipA forum where students of fire and leadership come together to discuss, debate and exchange leadership development concepts, experience, and thoughts with an intent to promote cultural change in the workforce and strengthen the wildland fire service and the communities they serve.WFLDPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821633657977545935noreply@blogger.comBlogger2676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-28799157497510317342024-03-15T15:56:00.000-06:002024-03-15T15:56:37.720-06:00What Is Your Trigger Point?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuMsc-qwc8pbCGhraFupne57A9o2xtFefpSQHysXb0ereH6KJQAKNfudSqpFKLRqVtkgaA3xN8vXsFyk5KM1rQ-xdhIeeMrsiVzn1nbVkeTaDWkPyC9486MR114YN5WMFLFGOlm6oP1U16knyhWSTe64aogIImbae89q6ojF6mFl-jnEuAlIlxf6okzE/s960/960px-Chogori.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="K2 by Zacharie Grossen" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuMsc-qwc8pbCGhraFupne57A9o2xtFefpSQHysXb0ereH6KJQAKNfudSqpFKLRqVtkgaA3xN8vXsFyk5KM1rQ-xdhIeeMrsiVzn1nbVkeTaDWkPyC9486MR114YN5WMFLFGOlm6oP1U16knyhWSTe64aogIImbae89q6ojF6mFl-jnEuAlIlxf6okzE/w400-h300/960px-Chogori.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">(</span><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Zacharie_Grossen" style="text-align: start;">Zacharie Grossen</a><span style="text-align: start;"> - Own work)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><u style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Author:</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Pam McDonald, </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development</i></p><p>I recently listened to Wondery's <i>Against The Odds</i> podcast "<a href="https://wondery.com/shows/against-the-odds/season/4/" target="_blank">K2: The Savage Mountain</a>" about one of the worst climbing disasters of modern times. In 2008, 11 people died and 3 were injured attempting to reach the summit. "Summit fever" leads to one in five climbers losing their life on the summit. Knowing when enough is enough may very well be a successful operation. The very same should be said about wildland fire suppression operations. Every wildland firefighter should know when to disengage. As Fredrik Sträng's behavioral therapist said, "It doesn't matter how high the goals are set/achieved unless you have decided what is enough."<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p>Before we conduct wildland fire operations, we need to determine if the assignment we are given is worth the risk to our people and a benefit to the resource. If the risk is worth the action, we make a plan for engagement. Within that plan, we establish trigger points for disengagement. We must know when enough is enough and be willing to cease operations for safety and resource benefit.</p><p>One of the interesting discussions in the podcast was how culture affects decision making. Sträng contends that different cultures/approaches are likely to have different risk tolerances which create different foundations for decision making. We have seen this time and time again on the fireline. One crew feels an assignment is too risky while another is willing to take the assignment. The whole decision comes down to what each team feels is enough. "If there is doubt, there is no doubt." (Dalai Lama) Most importantly, disengaging should be an ego-free decision.</p><p>Does your team set trigger points? Do you know when enough is enough or does your "can-do" attitude subject you to unnecessary risk. </p><p><b><u>Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper</u></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Listen to <a href="https://wondery.com/shows/against-the-odds/season/4/" target="_blank">K2: The Savage Mountain</a>.</li><li>In self-reflection or with your team, consider the following:</li><ul><li>Is there risk in not risking?</li><li>How does culture affect decision making?</li><li>Is there an equivalent in wildland fire to "summit fever"? How do you as a leader mitigate this behavior on /with your team?</li></ul><li>Read <i><a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/wfldp/toolbox/prp/prp-k2discussion-guide.pdf" target="_blank">K2: The 1939 Tragedy</a> </i>(2023 Professional Reading Program recommended read)</li></ul><div><span face=""trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">___________________________________</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">About the Author: </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development. The expressions are those of the author.</i></div></div>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-25952889167645709862024-02-15T16:49:00.002-07:002024-02-15T16:49:51.759-07:00Releasing the Pebble<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnan0dA1MqAgJVBKuohyphenhyphen7-fk2N_l6cdUsxnCjGnPM7WknelWVHSBttMVfwGVByOhWq0fIOrb8L7-G1f-K3rzU9Ap7MkdE5ZyMlXEyzzA4ROakGfu3A_2KVRQjAakxuDrzbB4GKOoiwJDcwfjEUQx4-YiZjH_Yg5_-EG_6TbN82cs6gJL7yzv-6WEWmnTg/s720/720px-Chinese_Zodiac_carvings_on_ceiling_of_Kushida_Shrine,_Fukuoka.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img alt="Chinese Zodiac carvings on ceiling of Kushida Shrine" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnan0dA1MqAgJVBKuohyphenhyphen7-fk2N_l6cdUsxnCjGnPM7WknelWVHSBttMVfwGVByOhWq0fIOrb8L7-G1f-K3rzU9Ap7MkdE5ZyMlXEyzzA4ROakGfu3A_2KVRQjAakxuDrzbB4GKOoiwJDcwfjEUQx4-YiZjH_Yg5_-EG_6TbN82cs6gJL7yzv-6WEWmnTg/w320-h320/720px-Chinese_Zodiac_carvings_on_ceiling_of_Kushida_Shrine,_Fukuoka.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)</i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><u style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Author:</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Pam McDonald, </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development</i></div><div>Do you follow the Chinese new year and their zodiac animals? </div><div><br /></div><div>I was born in the year of the snake and formed in the womb during the year of the wood dragon. As I begin the glide to retirement, 2024 is the year of the wood dragon; I will retire in the year of the snake. Coincidence? Not really, the calendar is on a 12-year cycle. I will be eligible to retire on my fifth cycle of the Chinese zodiac. I (the snake) will be slithering away from 38 seasons of wildland fire suppression (the wood dragon). It was my destiny and my legacy.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Having been with the Wildland Fire Leadership Committee since its inception in 2001, I have learned a lot about leadership and myself. I have seen a lot of people come and go over the years. Some kept their retirement secret, others had big parties. Some cleaned their offices; others left the cleaning for someone else. Some prepared their organizations for the void; others just walked away. My retirement is not a secret, my office will be clean, I will prepare others for my departures, and I might have a big party. (I like parties.) Preparing others for my departure is who I am. Mentoring and coaching those who will lead the areas I leave will be my focus in 2024.</div><div><br /></div>Growing up, I watched the show "Kung Fu." I watched Grasshopper grow and develop, all the while trying to snatch the pebble from his master's hand. I have taken to using the grasshopper reference with my mentees, many of whom are close to snatching that pebble.<div><br /></div><div>Don't know Grasshopper's story? Here are a few clips...<div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9selPW2lL-M?si=ga8BEDaJym5X9DNK" title="YouTube video player" width="460"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YzaWAEhFWpw?si=tDYTv6piu466y4hx" title="YouTube video player" width="460"></iframe><p><br /></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j1wjvP-raOI?si=h9BJ9aSyBikuOMZp" title="YouTube video player" width="460"></iframe></p><div>I have snatched my share of pebbles. This time it is I who will leave. As Michelangelo said, </div><div>"Release the hand from the marble that holds it prisoner." I have held that marble long enough. Those who have snatched it are ready to lead while I pursue new adventures and seek grasshoppers in a new field.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">___________________________________</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">About the Author: </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development. The expressions are those of the author.</i></div>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-80599480674778767222024-02-09T07:56:00.000-07:002024-02-09T07:56:03.936-07:00Self-Reflection and You<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oe-zbn9716fgybaKcqTOhKjnHJkjfR9Mzls44RoN0n-RPxYbrhUJJP3pPGaNTDUhhe3C5slYA0ZQrhyGYvWvBALhmF3nG8TwY9clKKQjgjMtBPOPC7kZQYY-XKggtPTz9qkxkVoHFoQ/s1600/you-dont-grow-when-you-work-you-grow-when-you-rest-and-reflect-png-001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oe-zbn9716fgybaKcqTOhKjnHJkjfR9Mzls44RoN0n-RPxYbrhUJJP3pPGaNTDUhhe3C5slYA0ZQrhyGYvWvBALhmF3nG8TwY9clKKQjgjMtBPOPC7kZQYY-XKggtPTz9qkxkVoHFoQ/s400/you-dont-grow-when-you-work-you-grow-when-you-rest-and-reflect-png-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<b>Photo Credit:</b> <a href="https://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2016/02/25/what-if-you-moved-toward-the-train/" target="_blank">Leadership Freak</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><u>Author:</u> <i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Pam McDonald, </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development</i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></i></div><div>If you are a member of the wildland fire service, you are aware of after action reviews. Good leaders conduct them after every operation, but do you conduct personal reflections? Practicing the art of self-reflection on a regular/daily basis is a valuable exercise. I</div><div> </div><div><b><u>Why is self-reflection important to personal growth? </u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div>In "<a href="http://blog.iqmatrix.com/self-reflection" target="_blank">Self-Reflection: How To Make The Most From Every Experience</a>," Adam Sicinski shares the following benefits:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Learn from your failures, mistakes, and experiences.</li><li>Clarify your values, priorities, and strengths.</li><li>Release emotional attachment to people, things, and events.</li><li>Make better choices, independent decisions, and new associations.</li><li>Remove inner roadblocks that hold you back from achieving your goals.</li><li>Examine your habitual behavior patterns and intuitive feelings.</li><li>Uncover hidden dreams and aspirations as well as undiscovered potential.</li><li>Gain deeper insights into your thoughts and a vast array of experiences.</li><li>Expand your perspective and understanding of people and situations.</li><li>Better spot potential problems and opportunities in advance.</li><li>Respond calmly and appropriately to challenges that may have otherwise hindered your progress.</li></ul><div><b><u>A Personal Experience</u></b></div><div><div>In 2016, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Faith and Leadership Week at Kellogg School of Management on the campus of Northwestern University. Leaders from all over the world come to Kellogg for personal development from some of the world's best leadership development instructors. The session with Harry Kraemer was my favorite. Harry had released his book <i>From Values to Action</i> a few years earlier. I got to personally hear Harry discuss his four principles of values-based leadership: self-reflection, balance, true self-confidence, and genuine humility.</div><div><br /></div><div>In his book and in the session, Harry asks the following questions:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you are not self-reflective, how can you truly know yourself?</li><li>If you do not know yourself, how can you lead yourself?</li><li>And if you cannot lead yourself, how can you possibly lead others?</li></ul><div><b><u>Make Personal AARs a Regular Practice</u></b></div><div>We are never too busy to take time for ourselves. We must take care of ourselves so we can take care of others. Consider personal AARs a little PPE for the soul.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>How you reflect is a personal preference. Whether you journal, blog, meditate, talk to yourself or someone else, make it a deliberate and regular practice. You will be better for practicing this art.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper</u></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Read Dan Rockwell's Leadership Freak blog "<a href="https://leadershipfreak.blog/2024/01/09/5-ways-to-rest-and-rejuvenate/" target="_blank">5 Ways to Rest and Rejuvenate</a>."</li><li>Read <i>From Values to Action </i>or watch Harry Kraemer's keynote below. <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LK4KLv4m9Yc?si=9rLtkL6nOAx6vU5E" title="YouTube video player" width="460"></iframe></li></ul></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13.2px;">___________________________________</span></div></div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">About the Author: </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development. The expressions are those of the author.</i></div>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-55400055949343015932024-02-02T15:10:00.001-07:002024-02-02T15:10:25.019-07:00Match, Set, Point: What Do You Tell Yourself<p></p><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh88i7qXK6A6gmGWiAPOOZ079wzoWA_rHuWTGosE0If0e0zN7FfQSJ8ylOjAvAQJ-xCnJNUW10E3H6YrU5pZlB_KaFfj_QsNE-igBkV6rfI4qQwBhPx2H533N_izlOIZdKtFEXjFtoihVWc00UctC0Z0Qb6FXdvDiIcez4j-09DjYHB7u6ZdLQmQIOVPVpa" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Airtanker dropping retardant in a high desert ecosystem while a firefighter looks on in the distance." data-original-height="860" data-original-width="861" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh88i7qXK6A6gmGWiAPOOZ079wzoWA_rHuWTGosE0If0e0zN7FfQSJ8ylOjAvAQJ-xCnJNUW10E3H6YrU5pZlB_KaFfj_QsNE-igBkV6rfI4qQwBhPx2H533N_izlOIZdKtFEXjFtoihVWc00UctC0Z0Qb6FXdvDiIcez4j-09DjYHB7u6ZdLQmQIOVPVpa=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo Credit:</b> <i>Arron Bartz</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u>Author:</u> <i>Christopher Ayer, Corona De Tucson Fire Department</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">Personally, December through about February is the hardest
part of the year. It’s cold, dark, and there is rain, probably snow, in other
places (not so much in Region 3)—not the most ideal burn conditions for new
starts or IA responses. My fix for the problem is watching fire videos on
YouTube, namely WFSTAR and documentaries. If the video contains wildfire
content, there is a good chance I’ve seen it by February. There are a couple of
new documentaries about the origins of the smokejumpers and old fire watch
system from the early 1930s that were extremely motivational. Wanting to be
headed to IA brought up an idea that I would like to share from my time playing sports professionally. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">An IA response is amazing; it is the “Friday Night Lights” or
playing on “Sunday” or “Big Monday” of our profession. It’s the high stakes of
our job and personally some of the most exciting. Playing on national TV or
ESPN is much the same as initial attack, the same adrenaline, and the same
excitement. The reactions that people have in the back of the engine/buggy is
the same as you have in locker room or at shoot around. That freshman point
guard who just got the opportunity to start or the first season back seat
firefighter is going through the same emotions and excitement. We have all
watched that newbie (said with compassion) who is bouncing off the walls
falling asleep 45 minutes later, having nothing left to give when we get on
scene to work. In basketball, they speed through shoot around drills going a
100 miles per hour, sprinting and geeked up; and surprise, they crash about 20
minutes into the game that night. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Sports has spent years and tons of money implementing and
utilizing psychology to better prepare athletes for big games and complex
decision making under pressure. Yet we don’t really talk about or apply any of
those same tactics to firefighting. I was guided by a coach to read a book, <i>Inner
Game of Tennis </i>by Timothy Gallwey, that wasn’t even about basketball. I was
appalled he would even suggest it. Tennis? Really! But what other sport offers
such a mental aspect of a game based around your own mental ability completely
challenged by an opponent having to go through the exact same struggles. Having
to step up and serve to another person knowing that they going to return just
to start the game, then it’s a back and forth just to try and earn a point,
mainly by someone making a mistake. There is no time to think and the moments
that you do; it is paramount to be focused, confident, positive. A slipup can
turn into a snowball down a mountain from which you aren’t going to recover. The
game is one mistake after another, turnovers resulting in a momentum swing that
ends the game. Sounds familiar to a lot of IA response, some seem to be smooth
and effortless while others are doomed from the start. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For me, <i>Inner Game of Tennis</i> hammered home the
concepts of internal self-talk and not allowing mistakes to multiply. How often
do you get caught up after a simple mistake? “Why did you do
that?” or “What were you thinking?” These simple mental monologues seem
harmless enough, but how large an affect do they have two or three decisions
down the line? Are we setting ourselves up for failure with the way we are
mentally applying ourselves to our task? If we are openly saying this when a
subordinate or a co-worker make a mistake, are we building a winning team or
are we dooming ourselves from being a championship winning program or cohesive engine
crew. When people are dialed in mentally and focused on a common goal, they are
more accomplished.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I realize that sports and firefighting seem extremely far
apart, and the stakes are much different but how much different is the mental
preparation? Confidence, calm, action driven, determined, are all descriptions
of any high-level competitive athlete, and most describe ideal personality
traits that we all want in a firefighter or IC. So, if the traits are the same,
why not looking for alternative avenues to gain understanding and growing the
people around us. On that note, I recommend the <i>Inner Game of Tennis</i> as
an easy start. I’m sure there are other lessons that can be taken from it, but
for me that inter monologue has done wonders to make me more proficient at my
job. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christopher
Ayer is a Firefighter/Firefighter Engine Boss Trainee/Paramedic for Corona De
Tucson Fire Department in Tucson, Arizona. The expressions and views are those
of the author.</span></i><o:p></o:p></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>WFLDPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11821633657977545935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-49838368816345035202024-01-26T12:40:00.001-07:002024-01-26T12:40:54.856-07:00Leadership Descends from Character<div style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H37QA1P4Ui2jPYXCaJgw_gb5CatOnBk_svXVsM0ixweirNcpJIVxKPBQtPr0qfn2NkwogkfM6-Fvjc0TXIU5slERhsj_gsuWTQN4_6Dx2wRtfIHq6QZIrNicz3ZGX3wzqI-8bShSDSqfsc2Q9B2wBtxywAlPWwD6qpFTJXUa3hoLk9wFP1EOuAdl/s800/458341358_e5b1c97fe3_c.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="fortune cookie message" border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="800" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H37QA1P4Ui2jPYXCaJgw_gb5CatOnBk_svXVsM0ixweirNcpJIVxKPBQtPr0qfn2NkwogkfM6-Fvjc0TXIU5slERhsj_gsuWTQN4_6Dx2wRtfIHq6QZIrNicz3ZGX3wzqI-8bShSDSqfsc2Q9B2wBtxywAlPWwD6qpFTJXUa3hoLk9wFP1EOuAdl/w400-h122/458341358_e5b1c97fe3_c.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.56px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">("<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/86537625@N00/458341358" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">Character matters; leadership descends from character</a>" by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/86537625@N00" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">Aaron Gustafson</a> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">CC BY-SA 2.0</a>.)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><blockquote><i>Only a leader with strong character and a strong sense of security can feel so certain of the blamelessness of his heart that he invites the scrutiny of his peers. C. S. Lewis calls this quality, "Leaders with chests." Lewis likened the properly ordered soul to the human body: the head (reason) must rule the belly (the sensual appetites) through the chest (character and spirit). The chest is the indispensable liaison between reason and the appetites. Without a strong "chest," men would succumb to excuses, relativism, and compromise. Lewis called those with no character or integrity, "men without chests."</i> </blockquote><blockquote><i> </i>[Excerpt from The Maxwell Leadership Bible quoting Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis]</blockquote><b>"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." (<a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms494-2.pdf#page=24">Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 20</a>)<span><a name='more'></a></span></b><div style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><b>Setting the Example</b></span></div>Fire leaders set the example by exhibiting strong character, by showing optimism and encouraging others, even when facing setbacks. <br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOlHP9kTSicZr24H_dml9xcqvO6DLbjt7gwHUmafvCoX85QbpTrN8NEyWavcC6sTgFSgOq1ax2oBFxAWbffeeyE9TKcm-QCftbTusGSFWmjWEPnllDd8G8jHOUDb_zJLc_7oJU634K6A/s880/character.png" style="color: #33aaff; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Character" border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="880" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOlHP9kTSicZr24H_dml9xcqvO6DLbjt7gwHUmafvCoX85QbpTrN8NEyWavcC6sTgFSgOq1ax2oBFxAWbffeeyE9TKcm-QCftbTusGSFWmjWEPnllDd8G8jHOUDb_zJLc_7oJU634K6A/w400-h161/character.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></p>Character is based on values. It is the combination of actions and words that others appraise to determine if we can be trusted to do the right thing. Character is the most valuable asset we have as leaders because it, more than anything else, promotes or hinders the development of trust.<br /><br />Because other’s perception of character results from the observation of many actions, it is impossible for anyone to hide their character. We cannot fool others: they assess our character every day; they know if we are open and honest; they see if we are indecisive, lazy, or selfish. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fire leaders are mindful of our values and the way that we communicate and reinforce them to others and to ourselves. We set the example by taking steps to build our character continually:</li><li>Knowing our values, reviewing them frequently, and contemplating areas for improvement. </li><li>Admitting when we are wrong. </li><li>Taking time to reflect on our actions. </li><li>Finding role models and asking them to be our mentors. </li><li>Studying leaders and leadership, learning from their successes and mistakes.</li></ul><div><b><u>Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper</u></b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms494-2.pdf">Click here to download a copy of Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.</a></li><li>Search our blog for more information on the topic.</li></ul><a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms494-2.pdf"></a>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-25556511985962887442023-12-29T06:00:00.022-07:002023-12-29T06:00:00.248-07:00Challenge #52 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwgCxPpam6juwk93Ph8_7t4s4oLHyY_XtNEG8Foe3yMl-ZsChRlxo99ZbwY1Jymd-IMgMVrxhWX1KHx7N6jYifcfnXUN5Llzhw4nPraZzvcUJW1tsi5FiNSdoxW1Z4pkcZNJtLcQbNbS-OZdaG94XW89MT-YCW2HgmWRt_WK_2rsi6bXRRoYn8-TTcYY/s806/Challenge52.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2023 WFLDP campaign logo and challenge" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="806" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwgCxPpam6juwk93Ph8_7t4s4oLHyY_XtNEG8Foe3yMl-ZsChRlxo99ZbwY1Jymd-IMgMVrxhWX1KHx7N6jYifcfnXUN5Llzhw4nPraZzvcUJW1tsi5FiNSdoxW1Z4pkcZNJtLcQbNbS-OZdaG94XW89MT-YCW2HgmWRt_WK_2rsi6bXRRoYn8-TTcYY/w400-h233/Challenge52.png" width="400" /></a></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div>Challenge #52: Effective leaders put knowledge into practice.</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Congratulations! You have spent a year learning about servant leadership. </li><li>If you are willing to serve, obtain a copy of <i>The Servant Leadership Journal – An 18 Week Journey to Transform You and Your Organization.</i></li><li>Dig deeper on the <a href="http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB" target="_blank">Wildland Fire Learning Portal</a>.</li></ul><div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
</ul><p></p></div>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-81499513393712216052023-12-28T06:00:00.017-07:002023-12-28T06:00:00.183-07:00IGNITE: Operating Out of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsql7CqbEtKZXSMSyk2ATUOupSbB0D0-TezxgnW6vVDuer5MdW-zm14shOFd8ifeRZrOq3AetWHGyBq3PTH4gKpF-P9Bl1fMx6Vc3LkM_omV5NaXwuvOqkXTmP2G5K0QcZ9sP2IJ3dWIYmqCzZbijhBC27vzq7nOOxrjOIb7VjNdYxYGUuH7WOKFVGO_0/s900/a-moral-person_Sipes-Frick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="wildland firefighter silhouette with fire and smoke" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsql7CqbEtKZXSMSyk2ATUOupSbB0D0-TezxgnW6vVDuer5MdW-zm14shOFd8ifeRZrOq3AetWHGyBq3PTH4gKpF-P9Bl1fMx6Vc3LkM_omV5NaXwuvOqkXTmP2G5K0QcZ9sP2IJ3dWIYmqCzZbijhBC27vzq7nOOxrjOIb7VjNdYxYGUuH7WOKFVGO_0/w400-h300/a-moral-person_Sipes-Frick.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>A moral person operates out of love—love of self and others. – James Sipe and Don Frick, Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership</i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>[Photo: Ben Strahan/El Dorado IHC]pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-11933332452417133172023-12-24T06:00:00.000-07:002023-12-24T06:00:00.126-07:00IGNITE: Happy Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K1g1-aq-Eopo-kCHcALPs4TUzRxKwe2pZb8fs6n9Vf0HSNPPVF0plPeY4JcVHQmJr27EJP37iIOWOJ3dF3VZvjXVvjOFcSNomx7JjkZz3H7KzQtLNfwW7mDrDld_LZ_M-OASrMvzwig/s1600/holiday_greetings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="To our followers all around the globe, we extend holiday greetings to you and yours. Thank you for your faithful service!" border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="989" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K1g1-aq-Eopo-kCHcALPs4TUzRxKwe2pZb8fs6n9Vf0HSNPPVF0plPeY4JcVHQmJr27EJP37iIOWOJ3dF3VZvjXVvjOFcSNomx7JjkZz3H7KzQtLNfwW7mDrDld_LZ_M-OASrMvzwig/s400/holiday_greetings.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>To our followers all around the globe, we extend holiday greetings to you and yours. </i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Thank you for your faithful service!</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b>- The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program -</b></div>
pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-12516156182379029912023-12-22T06:00:00.013-07:002023-12-22T06:00:00.147-07:00Challenge #51 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eQDed6AY5bbO9MrmDcJ2ed9cYtb2zHUtBlgzHnNl4XZbqAK032SWd4XK7XYolt6vZLN2PA-y5wOgVUqsRqTAqEwWq5t9gB_JgI7jpoNy5C3efJHxP0vJdG4Ngn3yNWXzGOQg-49WXfztfFA8Ftx3-4N3XJaRcLGRf1qhvi7V49ikUC1-ZppXC3fx4uU/s806/Challenge51.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2023 WFLDP campaign logo and challenge" border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="806" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eQDed6AY5bbO9MrmDcJ2ed9cYtb2zHUtBlgzHnNl4XZbqAK032SWd4XK7XYolt6vZLN2PA-y5wOgVUqsRqTAqEwWq5t9gB_JgI7jpoNy5C3efJHxP0vJdG4Ngn3yNWXzGOQg-49WXfztfFA8Ftx3-4N3XJaRcLGRf1qhvi7V49ikUC1-ZppXC3fx4uU/w400-h204/Challenge51.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Challenge #51 – Servant-Leaders share their power.</b></p><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Watch WFSTAR’s “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji4R2E2QLoU" target="_blank">Command and Control</a>.”</li><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ji4R2E2QLoU?si=Wtynqh_4K5MJxjVG" title="YouTube video player" width="460"></iframe></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How does this command-and-control model distribute power? </li><li>Dig deeper on the <a href="http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB" target="_blank">Wildland Fire Learning Portal</a>.</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-20727262743651800862023-12-21T06:00:00.007-07:002023-12-21T06:00:00.160-07:00IGNITE: A Person's True Value<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurJpTssAXlfhBBK7JjjDm0vIwa9s3dz5tC1dYWkdWcfrh1DhQMPkQXYpaOWJi6e40-Uce0WrVJk3G7OrAic4-bmRWj4ukwlXcYmEoWb-18TJuL3xpm0jvPjgejWCUogOoD22XmNXsNFw_UpRlWbgGmYQKNjBSXWtbnsf5mWkwWZJRq0KzhLL6FvjBJxU/s900/a-persons-true-wealth_Raveling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildland fire crew hiking" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurJpTssAXlfhBBK7JjjDm0vIwa9s3dz5tC1dYWkdWcfrh1DhQMPkQXYpaOWJi6e40-Uce0WrVJk3G7OrAic4-bmRWj4ukwlXcYmEoWb-18TJuL3xpm0jvPjgejWCUogOoD22XmNXsNFw_UpRlWbgGmYQKNjBSXWtbnsf5mWkwWZJRq0KzhLL6FvjBJxU/w400-h300/a-persons-true-wealth_Raveling.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><i>A person’s true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the depth of their kindness and compassion. – George Raveling, coach<br /></i></b><br />[Photo: Northern California District BLM]<p></p>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-14107330499758178772023-12-18T06:00:00.002-07:002023-12-18T06:00:00.252-07:00IGNITE: Truly Humble<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv2slc-BQozTiEp0JoT-IPHwkmOd3tNXqgo3ikUmf9UyRmGsclG7kW5c0nU7EbwKizpPtRlUYqP5Q1F-BkWR5qQqH0PSPZbAZYWo-FYDynhLJ4NAEagzHr4iNoXcdNXXAIDey2KL83-XXGZNBCPhiepu-FyiCXeg7okmms9CHQ5b76LqgiuzsVLdl7d4/s2100/no-one-knows-less-about-humility_Luther.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildland fire" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv2slc-BQozTiEp0JoT-IPHwkmOd3tNXqgo3ikUmf9UyRmGsclG7kW5c0nU7EbwKizpPtRlUYqP5Q1F-BkWR5qQqH0PSPZbAZYWo-FYDynhLJ4NAEagzHr4iNoXcdNXXAIDey2KL83-XXGZNBCPhiepu-FyiCXeg7okmms9CHQ5b76LqgiuzsVLdl7d4/w400-h286/no-one-knows-less-about-humility_Luther.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="943nt" data-offset-key="3pnf0-0-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3pnf0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><b><i>No one knows less about humility than he who is truly humble. – Martin Luther quote from "Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership" by Sipes and Frick<br /></i></b><br />[Photo: San Carlos Agency/BI<span style="color: #241f21; font-family: Source Sans Pro, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="background-color: #fcfcfb; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A]</span></span></div></div>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-31218097917764816012023-12-15T06:00:00.002-07:002023-12-15T06:00:00.135-07:00Challenge #50 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yGS0Kw4FvXC6M89jQIRbbBQZT7RXx_Q5F8DycGOySCc1S-DwBsH6tSnr9qVWh9ZSpcAdkqlObns5lA_bZpRkVOXRmCQ9N9BrZEqqiojHS6rhtmmuWJv6f9JNdQqXgKdJr5uc1M4iX4sd6RVl0HVHnna5_-OqW_d5lY6LgZJZ6ML37_Br2ygDTM8hx1M/s806/Challenge50.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2023 WFLDP campaign logo and challenge" border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="806" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yGS0Kw4FvXC6M89jQIRbbBQZT7RXx_Q5F8DycGOySCc1S-DwBsH6tSnr9qVWh9ZSpcAdkqlObns5lA_bZpRkVOXRmCQ9N9BrZEqqiojHS6rhtmmuWJv6f9JNdQqXgKdJr5uc1M4iX4sd6RVl0HVHnna5_-OqW_d5lY6LgZJZ6ML37_Br2ygDTM8hx1M/w400-h217/Challenge50.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Challenge #50: Servant-Leaders lead through influence and example.</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Read “<a href="https://www.thedaily.coach/p/ascending-second-mountain" target="_blank">Ascending the Second Mountain</a>.” </li><li>Optional: Read David Brook’s book The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life. </li><li>Dig deeper on the <a href="http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB" target="_blank">Wildland Fire Learning Portal</a>.</li></ul>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-34412454385875864272023-12-14T06:00:00.016-07:002023-12-14T06:00:00.266-07:00IGNITE: An Inward Sense of Right and Wrong<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWshyphenhyphenU5sLeUGeIl_iEL-dIRxr-xQUwBFPqErx4MZTA8zut-h-if6dcdxkHjvdUwIjnazic-G1e09FenRGZQ-GI3eKat4jgK2TZDpN7k4CRcVTDDPtQBeLh_wFIOabpCH9QpXQEmBip6oaRQ6gCfWocF_7BT0mTav_YXojvd3p4EvlwYifE8siz66BdU2M/s900/a_SL_lives_loves_leads-SipesFrick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="airplane on the tarmac at sunset with fire on the horizon" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWshyphenhyphenU5sLeUGeIl_iEL-dIRxr-xQUwBFPqErx4MZTA8zut-h-if6dcdxkHjvdUwIjnazic-G1e09FenRGZQ-GI3eKat4jgK2TZDpN7k4CRcVTDDPtQBeLh_wFIOabpCH9QpXQEmBip6oaRQ6gCfWocF_7BT0mTav_YXojvd3p4EvlwYifE8siz66BdU2M/w400-h300/a_SL_lives_loves_leads-SipesFrick.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><b><i>A
Servant-Leader lives, loves, and leads by conscience—the inward moral
sense of what is right and what is wrong. - James Sipe & Don Frick, The Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>[Photo: Greg Haxby/BLM (retired)]pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-85785834346150080942023-12-11T06:00:00.000-07:002023-12-11T06:00:00.128-07:00IGNITE: Taking on Partners<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzpjPQm7QHRAnhccAUH_bppvDUK3gB5dF4JufH0kL5-bwv7l2QSsAMno8HBzItRzNuxUJZBgrxu88b9toWTR3G2FYf33CgoWypaPxXlIRweTF4Fqg05sD06GEgOoPEgXKLZmS6Pdthju7w67J_Ir7GxMTzpakVS74m6ma-LAHsav6Ed7JcBqMUxMIeuc/s2100/when-it-is-time-to-delegate_Sipes-Frick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildland firefighters digging line" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzpjPQm7QHRAnhccAUH_bppvDUK3gB5dF4JufH0kL5-bwv7l2QSsAMno8HBzItRzNuxUJZBgrxu88b9toWTR3G2FYf33CgoWypaPxXlIRweTF4Fqg05sD06GEgOoPEgXKLZmS6Pdthju7w67J_Ir7GxMTzpakVS74m6ma-LAHsav6Ed7JcBqMUxMIeuc/w400-h286/when-it-is-time-to-delegate_Sipes-Frick.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>When it is time to delegate responsibility, Servant-Leaders take on partners rather than subordinates. – James Sipe and Don Frick, "Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership"</i></b></div><br />[Photo: Tatanka IHC]<p></p>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-38370431358785637542023-12-08T08:00:00.014-07:002023-12-08T08:00:00.139-07:00Challenge #49 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM20ciGCao8CFdUVTcwc-93Ggec4ahbzIaDvuW8D6tB-hxQf4uDQY8ZR6jnYLaLwHRaITkRdJpfDRDd_Ubkx3Yg8Rk34MJt11LrX7CAHgdBe6MrFajFQoNH1PqO6FjBKn2IJukTNQSql1esl1nVSj_ipmDogs7vILJuThkk1MmMJqpDt42sZ32ADVdIx0/s806/Challenge49.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM20ciGCao8CFdUVTcwc-93Ggec4ahbzIaDvuW8D6tB-hxQf4uDQY8ZR6jnYLaLwHRaITkRdJpfDRDd_Ubkx3Yg8Rk34MJt11LrX7CAHgdBe6MrFajFQoNH1PqO6FjBKn2IJukTNQSql1esl1nVSj_ipmDogs7vILJuThkk1MmMJqpDt42sZ32ADVdIx0/w400-h246/Challenge49.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Challenge #49: Servant-Leaders lead through influence and example. <br /></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;" type="square"><li><span style="text-align: left;">Watch
“How Benjamin Franklin and his club generated awesome ideas!</span></li><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
</ul><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/098cvMCszpA?si=j_ppUgf0hRycY-H7" title="YouTube video player" width="460"></iframe>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Create
your own club.<o:p></o:p></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Share
answers to the questions from the video.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Create
questions of your own.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Dig
deeper on the <a href="http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB" target="_blank">Wildland Fire Learning Portal</a>.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><br />pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-16384425654380362752023-12-07T06:00:00.001-07:002023-12-07T06:00:00.132-07:00IGNITE: Vision with Action Can Change the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWQJ8K8f95JBMnXwiYZqcbPLsvyzf7RpvpRslXCcVl3KldXUcDOkn8h1c5oc5A3ZTS6_y1jzX_KS7dt1lQnVEpCKuOJAbucQewRZaJs0Oeo_szNAXdnAOp6LIid-cE5HAeXJiPtNojRk/s1600/Action_without_vision_is_only_passing_time_vision_without_action.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Firefighters with a UTV" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWQJ8K8f95JBMnXwiYZqcbPLsvyzf7RpvpRslXCcVl3KldXUcDOkn8h1c5oc5A3ZTS6_y1jzX_KS7dt1lQnVEpCKuOJAbucQewRZaJs0Oeo_szNAXdnAOp6LIid-cE5HAeXJiPtNojRk/w300-h400/Action_without_vision_is_only_passing_time_vision_without_action.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world. – Nelson Mandela</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>IGNITE the Spark for Leadership and SHARE throughout your networks.<br /><br />[Photo: Kari Greer/USFS]pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-4380740182863867592023-12-05T06:00:00.000-07:002023-12-05T06:00:00.136-07:00Staff Rides - Immersing Yourself in Learning<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH0MsEjX19043fsvRVkLqyyUvFrNQxK13SiPitU9JC6CfioOY2ixKyJkDpQ5HcHrLlsPimhfFisWOsL9Isu96UMGxs7AWbkYmj7x7qJfeltWCbYRUaDD0dIPR8gD5OnHnPccftnwF4QnKbrrqY3zceYBsfbNdXCaTfyqHwYBmRq9C-S9UU_7UXmDHQLc/s1632/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildland firefighters at the San Pasqual staff ride" border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1632" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH0MsEjX19043fsvRVkLqyyUvFrNQxK13SiPitU9JC6CfioOY2ixKyJkDpQ5HcHrLlsPimhfFisWOsL9Isu96UMGxs7AWbkYmj7x7qJfeltWCbYRUaDD0dIPR8gD5OnHnPccftnwF4QnKbrrqY3zceYBsfbNdXCaTfyqHwYBmRq9C-S9UU_7UXmDHQLc/w400-h300/image3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><b>Staff Rides - Immersing Yourself in Learning</b><div><b>by Shane Olpin</b><br /><br /> Staff rides have long been recognized as an effective technique for experiential learning in the wildland fire service. This unique approach allows fire professionals to gain a deeper understanding of past fire events and apply those lessons to future incidents. In this essay, we will explore the concept of staff rides, its benefits, and how it contributes to the development of fire professionals.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div> <br />A staff ride is a method of learning that originated in the military but has been adapted for use in the wildland fire service. It involves visiting the actual locations of previous fire events and studying them in detail. This hands-on approach allows fire professionals to examine the terrain, analyze fire behavior, and understand the decision-making process of those involved in the incident. By immersing themselves in the environment, participants can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges they may encounter in the field.<br /> <br /> One of the main benefits of staff rides is the opportunity for experiential learning. Fire professionals can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, making the learning process more meaningful and engaging. By physically walking the ground, participants can visualize the fire's progression, identify potential escape routes, and evaluate the effectiveness of past strategies and tactics. This experiential learning approach allows participants to develop critical thinking skills and improve their decision-making abilities in a controlled environment.<br /> <br /> Staff rides also facilitate interdisciplinary learning. Wildland firefighting is a complex field that requires collaboration among various disciplines, including fire behavior, fire ecology, incident management, and operations. By bringing together experts from different fields, staff rides create a platform for knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas. Participants can learn from each other's expertise and gain a more holistic understanding of fire dynamics and management.<br /> <br /> In addition to individual learning, staff rides promote team building and foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. Wildland firefighting often involves working in high-stress situations where effective teamwork is crucial. By experiencing a staff ride together, fire professionals can develop a shared understanding and a common language, improving communication and coordination during actual fire incidents. This team-building aspect of staff rides enhances the overall effectiveness and efficiency of fire operations.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, staff rides help bridge the gap between theory and practice. While classroom learning provides a foundation of knowledge, it is often insufficient to fully comprehend the complexities of real-world fire events. Staff rides allow participants to witness the dynamic nature of fires, observe fire behavior patterns, and witness the impact of topography and weather on fire spread. This practical experience enriches the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom, enabling fire professionals to make more informed decisions in the field.<br /> <br /> Another advantage of staff rides is their role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the wildland fire service. By studying past fire events, participants can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to mitigate risks and enhance safety. Lessons learned from staff rides can be incorporated into training programs, standard operating procedures, and incident management practices. This iterative process of learning from past experiences helps the fire service evolve and adapt to changing fire conditions and management challenges.<br /> <br /> Moreover, staff rides contribute to the preservation of institutional memory within the wildland fire service. Fire events are often complex and multifaceted, involving numerous agencies, jurisdictions, and stakeholders. By documenting and analyzing past incidents through staff rides, valuable knowledge and experience can be preserved for future generations of fire professionals. This institutional memory serves as a repository of lessons learned, enabling fire agencies to learn from the successes and failures of the past and improve their preparedness and response capabilities.<br /> <br /> Despite the numerous benefits, staff rides also present some challenges. Organizing and conducting staff rides requires significant time, resources, and logistical coordination. Identifying suitable fire event locations, securing access, and ensuring participant safety can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, staff rides may not always be feasible due to budget constraints or logistical limitations. However, the benefits of staff rides outweigh these challenges, making them a valuable tool for experiential learning in the wildland fire service.<br /> <br /> In conclusion, staff rides are an effective technique for experiential learning in the wildland fire service. By immersing fire professionals in the actual locations of past fire events, staff rides provide a unique opportunity to study fire behavior, analyze decision-making processes, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The benefits of staff rides include experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, team building, bridging the gap between theory and practice, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and preserving institutional memory. Despite the challenges, staff rides play a crucial role in the development of fire professionals and the enhancement of fire management practices.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><i><hr />Shane Olpin, USDA Forest Service (retired), is a former chair of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Leadership Committee. Shane continues to develop wildland fire leaders across the globe. All expressions are those of the author.</i></div>
pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-20072162717715653832023-12-04T06:00:00.009-07:002023-12-04T06:00:00.253-07:00IGNITE: A Servant-Leader Is Worthy Of...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrMNwOTebV1oIEmSbjCwCdPyV8LZrU88El6Dl0Uqtmp9LivXKbyYZOlvA198uOKdPp9-9i9jgYO4VdeVF6mbT8BUsm0fAWgdiHPhgZmPd2DxJW_pSaD1lWOzijNZEjxLowg-I0RUWYp31QWiLFNyiG4b86qOMFy7gbLSdUK1V7W-YvqRUFDz593E5kbM/s600/a-servant-leader-is-worth-of_Sipes-Frick.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildland fire hotshots hiking" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrMNwOTebV1oIEmSbjCwCdPyV8LZrU88El6Dl0Uqtmp9LivXKbyYZOlvA198uOKdPp9-9i9jgYO4VdeVF6mbT8BUsm0fAWgdiHPhgZmPd2DxJW_pSaD1lWOzijNZEjxLowg-I0RUWYp31QWiLFNyiG4b86qOMFy7gbLSdUK1V7W-YvqRUFDz593E5kbM/w400-h400/a-servant-leader-is-worth-of_Sipes-Frick.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A Servant-Leader is worthy of respect, inspires trust and confidence, and establishes quality standards for performance. – James Sipe and Don Frick, Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership</i></b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />[Photo: J. Leonard/BLM]pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-85518772775473905092023-12-01T06:45:00.005-07:002023-12-04T08:17:47.690-07:00Honoring Our Fallen Through Learning - Point Fire<a border="0" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP3_zrc8fiNYk0Qcarzcppie9Fq2I3iCPhqji2kRD6WxSBui3DiVElacG72Aq-FW2hQRh_pzBEANv33WzKqU2Sxm927kzloYOX28b0OyWuW-kY4IRxmEJqYtamRnFPbXUNG8GfS_fFF_hR4y_uNI3AO4RoqB1az_McLHcEZl2p6gtAIwVN2GNztvugAU/s1600/IMG_20231130_092456.jpg" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP3_zrc8fiNYk0Qcarzcppie9Fq2I3iCPhqji2kRD6WxSBui3DiVElacG72Aq-FW2hQRh_pzBEANv33WzKqU2Sxm927kzloYOX28b0OyWuW-kY4IRxmEJqYtamRnFPbXUNG8GfS_fFF_hR4y_uNI3AO4RoqB1az_McLHcEZl2p6gtAIwVN2GNztvugAU/s320/IMG_20231130_092456.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaXphuYF4QyHekDv2zDdFDa9fm5aDDun0rvZwakpQkOEKFVsAq82mVSsoVXrHg40PMUwjUIlpoGl13ETYlOtsZAZaQBa3P_XvEK_tpuMD9IR9N36dTX3bo6LvryGiN0GGUZBSPz93Ow_CzRVi7bThYbVCBq8n_HRctTRX6rdXb2WuYTQJFzZN8zjaeaE/s1280/IMG_20231130_112118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Participants at the Point Fire (Kuna, ID) site visit/case study" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaXphuYF4QyHekDv2zDdFDa9fm5aDDun0rvZwakpQkOEKFVsAq82mVSsoVXrHg40PMUwjUIlpoGl13ETYlOtsZAZaQBa3P_XvEK_tpuMD9IR9N36dTX3bo6LvryGiN0GGUZBSPz93Ow_CzRVi7bThYbVCBq8n_HRctTRX6rdXb2WuYTQJFzZN8zjaeaE/w400-h300/IMG_20231130_112118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On November 30, 2023, members of the BLM Fire Operations Group (FOG) and Engine Subcommittee visited the site of the 1995 Point Fire to honor fallen Kuna volunteer firefighters Bill Buttram and Josh Oliver. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LnHZ5V1T8uvV43A-oTxL2spfaMAj3yeBfAEVmrsKIeq-2A0bbKIQRp6t5fhs8Pzkp-6HEnV18TU4IEN7DBzTcc41gWSOsErNnnbEdTAksfQ8AtWv3RkUuWnLF-1FvZna5XbV5RIwQScaOX-HsFArVRtQJZBArTb2h6ggAyvVNJrgloQc3jeBCcHLKrI/s1600/IMG_20231130_092418.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LnHZ5V1T8uvV43A-oTxL2spfaMAj3yeBfAEVmrsKIeq-2A0bbKIQRp6t5fhs8Pzkp-6HEnV18TU4IEN7DBzTcc41gWSOsErNnnbEdTAksfQ8AtWv3RkUuWnLF-1FvZna5XbV5RIwQScaOX-HsFArVRtQJZBArTb2h6ggAyvVNJrgloQc3jeBCcHLKrI/s320/IMG_20231130_092418.jpg" width="320" /></a><div><b><u>Site Visit Takeaways and Discussion</u></b></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Boise District worked with local cooperators to develop a local cooperator assistance program.</li><ul><li>Boise District utilized sand table exercises to build relationships and create common operating pictures/terminology between the BLM and local cooperators.</li></ul><li>Communications were an issue; issues still exist.</li><ul><li>The effort to get a common bank of frequencies took years</li><li>"Communication is key; we have to own it." - Gary Bishop, Utah State Assistant Fire Management Officer </li></ul><li>Training</li><ul><li>Do right by your cooperators. Ensure they get trained and have the tools to do the job.</li><li><div>"Train our new firefighters and tell them these stories." - Aaron Thompson, Montana State Fire Management Officer </div></li></ul><li>Transitions are tough. Establish unified command.</li><ul><li>Provide clear leader's intent.</li><li>Ensure all resources know the "why" and have a common operating picture.</li><ul><li>Having a bias for action is acceptable; going rogue is not acceptable.</li></ul></ul><li>Human Factors</li><ul><li>Your sense of direction is easily lost when landmarks are unavailable.</li></ul><li>Weather </li><ul><li>Some firefighters in their vehicles were unaware of subtle changes in the weather.</li><li>The red flag was announced over the radio on BLM channel. </li><li>Don't ignore warnings.</li><li>Be aware of changes.</li></ul><li>Terrain</li><ul><li>Brush was 5’ tall and plentiful.</li></ul><li>Experience</li><ul><li>Experience on BLM engines was 15+ years. </li><li>Kuna engine personnel lacked experience.</li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1RnRlLGVb18HSL72SseIIZTgIV6vsXyiw4d1gtg7i1WWDVZy4I-YFciHpqlaEvPCQhHDi5U-KGF-8zNqYxhbn8XmGMrtvrXqu1UT4eHGX9_QKv_150bczwXQjgR_r4M18Ie1C9I5meoS4UK_MdjAAAVo10kXxsCI0S_5ppfmrz3sx0zOmyvJCVfIaDM/s1280/IMG_20231130_112125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="two-track road in the desert" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1RnRlLGVb18HSL72SseIIZTgIV6vsXyiw4d1gtg7i1WWDVZy4I-YFciHpqlaEvPCQhHDi5U-KGF-8zNqYxhbn8XmGMrtvrXqu1UT4eHGX9_QKv_150bczwXQjgR_r4M18Ie1C9I5meoS4UK_MdjAAAVo10kXxsCI0S_5ppfmrz3sx0zOmyvJCVfIaDM/w400-h300/IMG_20231130_112125.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-track road Bill and Josh diverted from for unknown reasons<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Briefings</li><ul><li>Take time to tie in with resources and talk to firefighters you don't know and connect with those you do.</li><li>Briefings during initial attack are vital. Practice the information you need to brief and how you get the information across in a short period of time. It's chaotic!</li><li>Set up a staging area with a staging manager to track and brief personnel.</li></ul><li>Team Cohesion</li><ul><li>No mutual aid agreement with Kuna, no prior face-to-face communication.</li></ul><li>Preparedness</li><ul><li>Be prepared to respond to accidents and fatalities; ensure you practice and take care of your people.</li><li>Include managers and cooperators in developing serious incident and loss of duty death planning. </li></ul></ul><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><u>Questions to Consider </u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Could they actually see the road?</span></li><li>Where is your SA? On the equipment, fire? </li><li>How reluctant would you be to leave your equipment if you had to?</li><li>How much water do you keep in your engine, or do you run it out?</li><li>How would you in a leadership position deal with firefighters who are first on scene of a fatality and what they are going through? </li><ul><li>If you hear bad news on a fire where you have employees/co-workers assigned, how and when are you checking on your employees? </li><li>If you are on the fire do you take time to check in with your loved ones or keep fighting fire?</li></ul><li>Do you communicate what a Red Flag Warning means to the fire your are supporting? </li></ul><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlbOWbWF4bZo0hW6FxOhRcOaFsdeAYr-ltu-VkxIQ4Jtt42ITmOalnXrOeqRE9MH26J7i26JnTIiOszN7ZNAtbCK54sDC-lZuKsnv8EFl5AxotuvIWxOxR7SCvGdPDqV1WpQGGPJ77LrDw1oU_zWXC96NVDi8oetr9wF8jByaz7mO74L4MT3qtFg5FWM/s1280/IMG_20231130_112112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Point Fire fatality site" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlbOWbWF4bZo0hW6FxOhRcOaFsdeAYr-ltu-VkxIQ4Jtt42ITmOalnXrOeqRE9MH26J7i26JnTIiOszN7ZNAtbCK54sDC-lZuKsnv8EFl5AxotuvIWxOxR7SCvGdPDqV1WpQGGPJ77LrDw1oU_zWXC96NVDi8oetr9wF8jByaz7mO74L4MT3qtFg5FWM/w400-h300/IMG_20231130_112112.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Fire fatality site</td></tr></tbody></table></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>We honor through learning and sharing the information from our tragedies. Never forget!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Point Fire Resources</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">For more information and to walk through the stands with those who were there, visit the following:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1afa78cf1cb1450f91bf8c9b07ba3240" target="_blank">Point Fire (ArcGIS)</a></li><li><a href=" https://wildlandfireleadership.blogspot.com/2015/07/remembering-point-fire-20-years-later.html" target="_blank">Remembering the Point Fire 20 Years Later </a></li><li><a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/committee/6mfs/point-fire-idaho" target="_blank">Point Fire (Idaho) - Six Minutes for Safety</a></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lc3ns8gTgUI?si=aQTJup7bOKfkZMVP" title="YouTube video player" width="460"></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></p></div></div>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-1849369577876510682023-12-01T06:00:00.021-07:002023-12-01T06:00:00.128-07:00Challenge #48 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharlYXCGOX_WjS4MZZMDuyCa-YTBu1eQX02hURIESJZn2XxOlyuVYfLKaSoVYGU3IkrLk4vN550-NwsePU9PDsXjW1gtn3Ar4ySn59nYrQbc_1PzlBJFFGCtdi0Zkc7J83SsNy0LV16w9OX6EIz_h35oUN-Q1n4PlQTqZWUwtqgaWciT3Hjj893VDmtlA/s806/Challenge48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2023 WFLDP campaign logo and challenge" border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="806" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharlYXCGOX_WjS4MZZMDuyCa-YTBu1eQX02hURIESJZn2XxOlyuVYfLKaSoVYGU3IkrLk4vN550-NwsePU9PDsXjW1gtn3Ar4ySn59nYrQbc_1PzlBJFFGCtdi0Zkc7J83SsNy0LV16w9OX6EIz_h35oUN-Q1n4PlQTqZWUwtqgaWciT3Hjj893VDmtlA/w400-h305/Challenge48.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><br /><b>Challenge #48: Servant-Leaders accept and delegate responsibility. </b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Journalize your responses (Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership, p. 165). </li><ul><li>If I want others to give me moral authority: </li><ul><li>Do I really trust others to be responsible, or do I only trust myself? </li><li>Am I generally “in integrity” with myself? </li></ul><li>Do I feel like a victim because others ask me to do so much? If so, how can I set appropriate boundaries? </li><li>In the next week, will I accept the challenge to delegate two tasks that I prefer to do myself? </li></ul><li>Dig deeper on the Portal (<a href="http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB">http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB</a>). </li></ul>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-22210893669295205372023-11-30T06:00:00.001-07:002023-11-30T06:00:00.125-07:00IGNITE: Building a Strong Team<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVBsSWzHzqtNj75Q9ZItPHG5wfRiSpvOKL3KFdP26F3YvWH1Sz95ioMFZF6zwuk-Schx4Yfq3PY1Bp0xswqR0YJlFKg49zOUp7xKrDHbx7MnKNh9RZFNY5w8WzHyhApCcuk6qS35sDpcxIP_b6WNPxYvziP3QvgWpHQ2ePELoaF00UXlvnazu2Z36=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildland firefighters" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVBsSWzHzqtNj75Q9ZItPHG5wfRiSpvOKL3KFdP26F3YvWH1Sz95ioMFZF6zwuk-Schx4Yfq3PY1Bp0xswqR0YJlFKg49zOUp7xKrDHbx7MnKNh9RZFNY5w8WzHyhApCcuk6qS35sDpcxIP_b6WNPxYvziP3QvgWpHQ2ePELoaF00UXlvnazu2Z36=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><i> To build a strong team, you must see someone else's strength as a complement to your weakness and not a threat to your position or authority. - Christine Caine, author/speaker<br /></i></b><br /><br />[Photo: Zephyr Fire Crew]<p></p>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-22697496995180330052023-11-28T06:00:00.001-07:002023-11-28T06:00:00.146-07:00Informal Leadership is Always Available<div><p class="elementtoproof"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpe1v6Em-Mjvpt7WSsBYnHD6tLbTYWXGsXEN18hgTlhUQwe8ZyTI5oYlAD3J70jWHzBLRXq1YGDepKuPQmrCJ7FWovhLsqJGp1TOIWMgJwjTC9ADzl1VUQR24PpDNk32-79zOpu0_8WkySWzX-zO8I2kZ5TlqQrWTElpd0aL67x58h1mPK_TAxF8KhKs/s1008/Arron%20Bartz2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fire in the review mirror (Credit: Aaron Bartz)" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="746" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpe1v6Em-Mjvpt7WSsBYnHD6tLbTYWXGsXEN18hgTlhUQwe8ZyTI5oYlAD3J70jWHzBLRXq1YGDepKuPQmrCJ7FWovhLsqJGp1TOIWMgJwjTC9ADzl1VUQR24PpDNk32-79zOpu0_8WkySWzX-zO8I2kZ5TlqQrWTElpd0aL67x58h1mPK_TAxF8KhKs/w296-h400/Arron%20Bartz2.png" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photo: Aaron Bartz)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><p></p><p class="elementtoproof"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Over a year ago, I dove into the </span><span style="color: #242424; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblog%2Fpost%2Fedit%2F8677843090727579263%2F2269749699518033005%3Fhl%3Den&data=05%7C01%7Cpmcdonal%40blm.gov%7C21dfade8c3774bb7954308dbeacc7829%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638361936174792903%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cHuGMsaYy6DrX81TMxv7wixECtCJXd6qurwzvQWFsr4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Wildland Fire
Leadership Development Program </a></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">self-study leadership level
courses on the </span><span style="color: #242424; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1" href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblog%2Fpost%2Fedit%2F8677843090727579263%2F2269749699518033005%3Fhl%3Den&data=05%7C01%7Cpmcdonal%40blm.gov%7C21dfade8c3774bb7954308dbeacc7829%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638361936174792903%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cHuGMsaYy6DrX81TMxv7wixECtCJXd6qurwzvQWFsr4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Wildland Fire Learning
Portal</a></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. These courses have been a huge help in guiding me along on my
current path. One of the first lessons I came across was the idea of informal
leadership (specifically, leading up). At first, I didn’t understand or even
know how to lead informally. With more reading, a lot of trial and error, and bumping
and locking horns along the way, I felt ready to try to lead up and share what
I learned with others. </span></p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The conversation that repeatedly came up from me explaining
informal leadership with my co-workers was, “Well I can’t do that” or “It won’t
have an impact.” Leadership is a daunting task, let alone leading up the chain
of command; however, the impact you can have reaches further than you could
ever imagine. Leading up requires a person to seek unconventional ways to apply
ideas. I have a long way to go in mastering the art of leading up, but I can
tell you my experiences with trying. Hopefully you find an inspiration to draw
upon. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">An out-of-state assignment this summer was riddled with extremely long travel
days and long drives to and from base camp! You know, ones that come prior to
the caffeine fully setting in or when the crew needs dinner and sleep and lead
to rising tensions amongst the crew. Our fun engine was turning into a terrible
14-day prison. I decided take this opportunity to implore my leadership skill
of leading up to improve crew morale. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I conveniently found my way to the driver seat (the smile on my
face of shear joy and excitement probably allowed me to stay) and promptly
began the slow and painful drive to the line, a place nobody wanted to be. My
skillful use of the brake and gas (no traffic laws were broken or risks taken)
and choice of music drew the attention of all the crew! I became a lightning
rod for emotions. Instead of becoming more frustrated with each other, the crew
directed their frustrations towards my exquisite driving and eclectic taste of
music, to which I promptly pushed one step further with a loud yell, “But did
you die?” The crew had a new lease on life that day with more joking, less
snippiness, and more cohesion. I was not allowed near the driver seat the rest
of the roll which suited me just fine; but the course was changed never the
less. I had taken the lead to improve morale.</span></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">
Leading up isn’t always about giving orders or directing the operation. It has
more to do with focusing on taking care of the people around you, like making
and extra trip to the truck so everybody has a cold water or being sure your
people are getting enough to eat. Pressing your Engine Boss for the store trip
that’s a little further out of the way because they didn’t have someone’s brand
(I know you know). It’s the small intangible things that occasionally get
overlooked that people can step up and make a situation better or lead to get
the mission done with a little less stress. It’s not giving orders and telling
people what to do, its guiding from the bottom to accomplish the mission.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p style="background: white;"><i style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Christopher Ayer is a Firefighter/Firefighter Type 1/Paramedic for Corona De Tucson Fire Department in Tucson, Arizona. The expressions and views are those of the author.<br /></i></p></div><br />pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-54439187323200775742023-11-27T06:00:00.001-07:002023-11-27T06:00:00.131-07:00IGNITE: Contributing to Relationships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWi9NniwEAN3-CYzfw2KHt3EtacRGOcN7xw0ZTQL5WPDuLJWO1tp9CGmyAEJIfDQ7EA1NsvCAUnj-r2SUMJJbp85267zg9zTy0EWVxgqrFnXS-qW5mnFjG4Az6QH576h0OjRSjVcBUtY/s1600/we-cannot-control-a-relationship_Sinek.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BLM command vehicle near bridge with fire in the background" border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="626" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWi9NniwEAN3-CYzfw2KHt3EtacRGOcN7xw0ZTQL5WPDuLJWO1tp9CGmyAEJIfDQ7EA1NsvCAUnj-r2SUMJJbp85267zg9zTy0EWVxgqrFnXS-qW5mnFjG4Az6QH576h0OjRSjVcBUtY/s400/we-cannot-control-a-relationship_Sinek.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>We cannot control a relationship. We can only contribute to a relationship. All relationships, business or personal, are an opportunity to serve another human being. ♦ Simon Sinek ♦ </i></b></div>
<br />[Photo: Koreena Haynes/BLM]<br /><br />#fireleadershippmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-24178791949427826512023-11-24T06:00:00.006-07:002023-11-24T06:00:00.135-07:00Challenge #47 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1NPjaN5gH-3aB4ax0QWyYILkG-OttPbXPbZqMFTFkdPiHZ7jFTrT24e317-rwfWVpEblo3jGgDA1nP7xtPh4yQYWpSurFeY7X-55NXmVs2Ob6dbYw0UbU-xPlOij-Chwp0g0mAKGPpPYeGtNOgFgVxy4vjQ9GoFPbpHbMW00C0_U9Bf90HpugpAudI0/s806/Challenge47.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2023 WFLDP Campaign logo and challenge" border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="806" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1NPjaN5gH-3aB4ax0QWyYILkG-OttPbXPbZqMFTFkdPiHZ7jFTrT24e317-rwfWVpEblo3jGgDA1nP7xtPh4yQYWpSurFeY7X-55NXmVs2Ob6dbYw0UbU-xPlOij-Chwp0g0mAKGPpPYeGtNOgFgVxy4vjQ9GoFPbpHbMW00C0_U9Bf90HpugpAudI0/w400-h204/Challenge47.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><b>Challenge #47: Servant-Leaders create team members who depend on one another.<br /></b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Listen to MCTI’s Podcast with Sebastian Junger.</li></ul><div style="border-radius: 6px; height: 200px; margin-bottom: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"><iframe frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4a87eec1-c626-4485-8701-d78e8fc88291" style="height: 200px; width: 100%;"></iframe></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dig deeper on the <a href="http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB" target="_blank">Wildland Fire Learning Portal</a>.</li></ul>pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8677843090727579263.post-53988547948184864802023-11-23T06:00:00.001-07:002023-11-23T06:00:00.136-07:00IGNITE: Happy Thanksgiving 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlkOYYPTJUwt9nH6kCEgXrNSqkxdTUcWgf_rB0G3YQ2WNmsujMWaSXlpBolBsjqZev6dse3nRkk9qSQmeKKbdsJHvoda59eet98O0bKXPH2JA0t_QNQisatnhChxVaEL03kAaAIIyZh5su2Gra1BErYw4n7bHqh1nSNxggkvAqX-5uYJUbmGiVTlS0x4/s2100/Thanksgiving2023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildland firefighters eating at night near the fireline" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlkOYYPTJUwt9nH6kCEgXrNSqkxdTUcWgf_rB0G3YQ2WNmsujMWaSXlpBolBsjqZev6dse3nRkk9qSQmeKKbdsJHvoda59eet98O0bKXPH2JA0t_QNQisatnhChxVaEL03kAaAIIyZh5su2Gra1BErYw4n7bHqh1nSNxggkvAqX-5uYJUbmGiVTlS0x4/w400-h286/Thanksgiving2023.png" width="400" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Give thanks with a grateful heart.</i></b></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>We are thankful for you! Happy Thanksgiving!</i></b></div></i></b><br />[Photo: Union IHC]pmcdonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09338515744358574223noreply@blogger.com0