A Moment with Durrwachter

First, listen and advise but never offer a solution. Secondly, lead by example. Lastly, be compassionate - yet firm - and honest. ~ Jim Durrwachter

Be sure to check out the newest installment of "Leaders We Would Like to Meet" featuring Jennifer Hinckley's  interview with Jim Durrwachter, US Fish and Wildlife.

Remembering those behind the "Dream"

This weekend we remember the efforts of one of the nation's most effective civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This 13-minute video honors the leadership and sacrifices of those who fought for equal rights for all.

 

Check out another great resource: the Washington Post's "Memories of MLK."

What is It?

You see them, but do you know what they are and what they do?

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

• A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry.
• The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background.
• Created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the manufacturing process, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. It was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

How do I use it?

QR codes are used in conjunction with a mobile device barcode reader/scanner application. The application scans the image, identifies the location to which the user will be redirected, and redirects via a wireless connection.

QR Codes and the Firefighter

The GETA Group showcased QR codes on page 2 of their November 2011 Earthspin newsletter.

"This [QR code technology] has already been used for PIO applications in fire this past summer to pass on fire information to the public. The operations and planning sections could use this as an operational tool to get the most up to date information to firefighters. if a website is established for a particular incident then specific updates, IAPs, maps, and other pertinent information can be made available on that site. A QR code can then be generated that links to the incident site, and can be printed on any paper product suck as IAPs and incident maps.

Firefighters would only have to scan the QR code once while on that incident; they could then bookmark the website on their mobile device. The user could then return to the website everyday or even multiple times a day to get updates on the current situation."

The article goes on to tell users how to create the code.

What do you think?

• So what do you think about the emergence of social media entering the world of wildland fire?
• Do you have an idea of an application that could enhance the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)?
• Do you want to be a part of a growing group of firefighters who have purpose in bringing new ideas and innovation to our community?

Let us know if you have ideas or want to be a part of this initiative!

BTW: If you know don't have the barcode/scanner app, the above image provides a link to the WFLDP website.

"Developing Mindful Leaders"

As we begin 2012, I challenge you to become a mindful leader as well as develop other mindful leaders.

Polly LaBarre shares her tips for "Developing Mindful Leaders" on the Harvard Business Network. She shares Pamela Weiss' and Todd Pierce's pillars ("Personal Excellence Program") for unleashing human capability, resilience, compassion, and well-being:

1. Developing people is a process — not an event.
2. People don't grow from the neck up.
3. Put mindfulness at the center (but don't call it that!).
4. It's hard to grow alone.
5. Everybody deserves to grow.

Read the article and tell us what you think. Do you agree with the pillars?

A Leadership Lesson from Crossfit

CrossFit guru Greg Admundson shares an example of leading by example, caring for others, and setting the positive example for others to follow. After watching the video, share your stories here!

Exposing Our Roots: 2002 - 2003

2002

• Leadership Committee meets and Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) and website is created.
• L-180, Human Factors, becomes a stand-alone course.
• L-280, Followership to Leadership, developed and tested.
• L-480 Steering Committee formed.

2003

• L-180 incorporated into S-130.
• L-280 field-ready.
• Course criteria and delivery standards developed for L-380, Fireline Leadership.

Fireline Leadership Challenge

• Are you familiar with the WFLDP website? What would you like to see changed about the site? What ideas do you have to make the site better? Share your ideas here or by sending an e-mail to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov.
• Have you taken L-180 or L-280? How do you feel about these courses? How can we make them better?

Announcing the Mann Gulch Staff Ride

On August 5, 1949, fifteen USDA Forest Service smokejumpers and a Helena National Forest fire guard were entrapped by a spot from a wildfire about 20 miles north of Helena, Montana. The fire eventually burned almost 4,500 acres.

Canadian Wildland Firefighting in 4D

Science North, an agency of the Government of Ontario, is showcasing wildland fire, including an exhibit and 4D movie, Wildfires!

"Adrenaline rushes through your body as you witness the unfolding drama of Wildfires! A Firefighting Adventure in 4D. Feel the excitement as a ground crew, transported by helicopter into the remote wilderness, tries to contain the rapidly spreading fire. Ride along with the Air Attack Officer as operations are directed from a seat high above the blaze. Be the co-pilot in a CL 415 water bomber as it undertakes the difficult and sometimes dangerous mission of controlling a major forest fire from the air, swooping down to pick up a load of water and dropping it at the centre of the action. Experience Wildfires! in the Science North Vale Cavern."

Exposing Our Roots: 1999 - 2001

1999

• Fireline Leadership developed by Lincoln National Forest and Mission-Centered Solutions.
• NWCG supports IMT leadership training.
• Dude Fire Staff Ride conducted in Arizona.

2000

• Fireline Leadership delivered to Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) supervisors.
• NWCG assembles Leadership Task Group.

2001

• Report of the Leadership Task Group to the Training Working Team submitted.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Fireline Leadership expanded to all Type 1 resources.
• The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) begins leadership training.
• USFS and BLM grant Fireline Leadership equivalency for S-301.
• NWCG Leadership Committee chartered under the Training Working Team.

"Invictus" is Here!

Thanks to the efforts of the Klamath Hotshots, another Leadership in Cinema lesson plan is available for your use in leadership development. The Invictus lesson plan chronicles Nelson Mandela's use of South Africa's national rugby team, the Springboks, to unite a nation.

Feel free to use the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program's Facebook page to discuss the movie and promote discussion across the program.

If you would like to create a lesson plan for the program, visit the Leadership in Cinema website.