IGNTIE: Accountability

In order to show other what’s expected and ensure that they hold themselves accountable, you need to confront critical incidents, tell stories, and make sure that organizational systems reinforce the behaviors you want repeated. – Kouzes & Posner, The Leadership Challenge

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IGNITE: Avoid Complacency

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

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BREAKING NEWS: The IGNITE Contest is BACK!

IGNITE the Spark for Leadership Contest – From the Field for the Field

Throughout the nation, leaders are building teams and developing their people using tools they have found or developed themselves. Imagine if our leaders and their subordinates shared their experiences and successes with each other. Consider the possibility of going to a website and having a ready-made palette of leadership development tools from which to choose—items from the field for the field.

Using the spirit of healthy competition, the IGNITE the Spark for Leadership Contest is intended to be one of the mechanisms used to collect innovative leadership development efforts to be shared across disciplines.

The IGNITE the Spark for Leadership Contest is an optional component of the annual Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge and is limited to entities with a tie to the wildland fire service. Your application should include:

• Written summary of contest activities not to exceed ten (10) pages. (See “Judging” section for what to address.)
• Support materials not to exceed thirty (30) pages or pieces. May include, but is not limited to, photos, videos, and outreach materials, agendas, social media journal.

Send your challenge documentation to:

• Mail:
  NWCG Leadership Subcommittee
  Attention: Pam McDonald
  3833 South Development Avenue
  Boise, ID 83705 

• Electronically: BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov

Judging
All entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Local unit information:
• Name of participating unit/team
• Point of contact (POC) name
• POC contact information (telephone, physical address, and e-mail)
• Quality of application (written summary and supplementary documentation, and outreach materials)
• Local unit campaign involvement
• Percentage of local unit personnel involved (provide actual numbers, if known)
• Leadership levels of local unit personnel presenting campaign activities
• Description of campaign activities
• Developed locally or used from another source (credit given)
• Longevity/sustainability of program/activities(temporary/one-time event, long-term product/activity, etc.)
• Connection with the current WFLDP leadership campaign theme
• Innovation and creativity of campaign activities versus activities presented in the Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Reference Guide
• Connection to the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)
• Inclusion of WFLDP values and principles 
• Inclusion of Leading in the Wildland Fire Service publication
• Interdisciplinary impact (beyond self)
• Activities targeted to those outside the local unit
• Usability/adaptability of tools and activities beyond the local unit/area
• Lessons learned for others

Winner Recognition
The NWCG Leadership Subcommittee will determine how award winner(s) will be recognized (e.g., plaque, trophy) on a yearly basis. Winner(s) and those recognized for honorable mention will also be featured on and through various media sites and publications.

Entry Deadline
November 30, 2016

Idaho Ranchers, Landowners Complete BLM Fire Training

On Thursday, February 11, members of the Camas Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) concluded their initial fire training in Dubois, Idaho. Forty local landowners – mostly ranchers – completed the four-day training conducted by employees of BLM's Idaho Falls District and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

Training attendees with BLM employees in front of the engine station in Dubois, Idaho. (Photo by Jesse Bender/BLM)

As fires continue to threaten the western landscape and the sagebrush-steppe habitat necessary for the survival of the Greater Sage-Grouse, targeted action through coordinated fire suppression activities is increasingly important. Working with local ranchers to engage in safe fire suppression efforts benefits both the landowners and the federal agencies. The RFPA is the first for the Idaho Falls District and will have protection responsibilities for all of Clark County plus the Birch Creek drainage of Lemhi County.

Jeremy Casterson, Upper Snake Field Office Manager, welcomed the group, saying "I believe our fire and aviation program is the best there is, and I see you as an extension of that." Casterson explained the policies that guide the BLM's land management approach, including those that address rangeland fire in sage-grouse habitat. He also thanked the group for their willingness to work with the BLM and cited their connections to the local community as one of the greatest benefits to the mutual success of the BLM and RFPA.

Idaho Falls District Fire Management Officer Joel Gosswiller addresses the group of 40 local ranchers and landowners who will form the District's first RFPA. (Photo by Jesse Bender/BLM)

Over the course of the four days, all attendees learned basic fire suppression techniques and communication skills. They learned how to apply what they already know about local weather patterns to fire behavior. Instructors shared their experiences in fireline leadership, command, and safety. To receive a certificate for the training, each participant practiced deploying a fire shelter, a life-saving piece of mandatory fireline equipment.

Idaho Falls District Fire Management Officer Joel Gosswiller was enthused by the turnout. He discussed the RFPA's boundaries and authorities. "This is a perfect area for an RFPA because Clark County is more removed from the population hubs in eastern Idaho. Their presence bolsters our initial response capabilities when we do have wildfires in the area."

Fire Operations Supervisor Dan Zajanc displays a fire shelter during basic fire training for the new RFPA members. (Photo by Richard Zimmerman/BLM)

The Camas Creek RFPA is still in the process of attaining necessary equipment, from additional fire engines to radios. Later this spring, the BLM and RFPA will conduct coordinated field training exercises together.

Story by Jesse Bender, Fire Education and Information Specialist, Idaho Falls District

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Taken from BLM Daily, February 17, 2016.

IGNITE: The Leadership Challenge is...

The leadership challenge in the wildland fire service is to influence people to accomplish tasks and objectives under confusing, dangerous, and ambiguous conditions. – Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, page 10

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Wayback Wednesday: Common Errors in Fight Forest Fires (1942)

In the 35 years or more since the Forest Service was established, the art and science of forest fire control has advanced step by step until today such matters as quick detection, precise location, and prompt reporting of fires are matters of routine.

Be sure to check out the Instructor Guide and Student Workbook on the WFSTAR site.

Social Butterfly or Wall Flower?

(Photo credit: Jupiter Images)

In a learning environment, would you classify yourself as a social butterfly or a wallflower? 

Many of you may immediately jump to whether or not you classify yourself as an extrovert (social butterfly) or introvert (wallflower). Although a viable jump, where I am really going with this post is whether or not you engage in your learning experience and get all that you can out of the experience. I contend we have wallflowers, social butterflies, and mixes thereof in our learning environments.

The Wallflower
The wallflower is an inactive participant in the learning process. A more introverted learner, they sit by themselves--generally in the very back--and rarely, if ever, voluntarily contribute to discussions. Wallflowers tend to be good listeners and great note takers, but not good group spokespersons. At their most introverted, the extreme wallflower can impede the learning process when group work is involved.

The Social Butterfly
Social butterflies have a tendency to flit are all over the learning space. These individuals are more focused social interactions than on learning. They may or may not do what is required to get the passing grade or certificate of completion. At their most extroverted, this learner impedes the learning process so much that they are asked to flit elsewhere.

The Social Wallflower
The social wallflower is someone who may put on the facade of a social butterfly but associates well with the wallflower. These butterflies do exactly what is required of them, but may be uncomfortable doing things like speaking or group interaction. However, they tend to hang back until approached and fail to capitalize on the hidden benefit of the learning experience--the ability to network with others and make use of their contacts beyond the learning experience. These individuals blend right in and may be difficult to identify.

The Flower Butterfly
Flower butterflies are the ideal learners and socialites. They have the right mix of social aptitude and networking skills. These individuals work well by themselves or in group situations. They have the unique ability to create cohesive groups because, as Goldilocks would say they are "just right." They acknowledge the hidden benefit of an engagement with others and maintain quality networks of support far beyond the learning environment. These individuals make learning count both in the learning environment and well beyond.

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Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge
Establishing support networks allows a leader to surround themselves with people willing to support their endeavors. No leader has all the answers or will experience everything there is to know about the leadership environment. Being able to call up those who have had a similar learning experience or who can listen is a great gift.

• Reassess yourself using my definitions. 
• How do you interact in your learning environments?
• What does the way you learn say about your command presence?
• What can you do differently at your next learning opportunity?

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About the Author:
Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.

Team Rubicon Brings Veteran Firepower

Last month, the BLM partnered with DOI and Team Rubicon to conduct wildland firefighter training for veterans at the Victor Valley College Regional Public Safety Training Center in Apple Valley, Calif.

Over 50 Team Rubicon students participated in the January 22-25 training, receiving instruction in wildland fire suppression tactics including communication techniques, fireline construction, equipment operation, and other critical skills.

Patrolling/communications hikes are used to instill a visual and communication dialogue that enhances teamwork.

"We have over 50 students here getting hands-on training on utilizing fire suppression tools along with fire shelter training," said Phil Lind, Boise BLM Smoke Jumper Training Manager. "They are learning what to expect when they get out into a wildfire incident."

By engaging veterans in disaster response, Team Rubicon seeks to provide veterans with a sense of purpose, community, and identity often missing following their military service.

"After my military service I was looking for a way of giving back," stated Patrick Mishler, Navy veteran. "It's always good to learn something new, another skill, and I hope to deploy soon."

Marine veteran Anthony Lewis works for a school district so he sees himself as a seasonal call up. "From here I will go up north for wilderness first aid training and then wait for summer and hope the phone rings."

Team Rubicon students undergo fire shelter inspection from Phil Lind, BLM Smoke Jumper Training Manager.

According to Lind, Rookie School students will leave with a Red Card qualified as a Firefighter Type 2. That means they can operate on a Type 2 hand crew as well as respond to wildland fires. The Advanced Fire Training Students will leave with a Firefighter Type 1 Position Passbook. This allows them to begin their on-the-job training and work toward their Firefighter Type 1 classification. (For more information on Firefighter classifications see http://training.nwcg.gov/sect_position_advancement.htm.)

Team Rubicon students learn proper hand tool/line digging techniques.

Several Marines founded Team Rubicon in response to the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake. Since then the organization has responded to floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather damage, helping disaster survivors all over the globe.

For more information on Team Rubicon see http://www.teamrubiconusa.org. For information about BLM and its partnership with Team Rubicon, contact Jessica Gardetto 208-387-5458 or jdgardetto@blm.gov.

Story and photos by Steve Razo, Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, BLM California.

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Taken from the BLM Daily (internal BLM website), February 8, 2015.

IGNITE: Leadership is Action

As a leader, your every action has a consequence; make sure it is one you intend. – Katherine Bryant

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Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are | Amy Cuddy | TED Talks

We've all heard that part of being a "good" leader is looking, sounding, and acting the part. In some of our leadership classes we talk about command presence and how tone of voice and posture influence how people respond to you as a leader. But it goes beyond just how others perceive and respond to you - your body language also influence you. In this TED Talk from 2012, author and social psychologist Amy Cuddy explores how our body language influences not only those around us, but us as individuals.

I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting ideas about human factors and leadership, and this talk struck me as being pretty relevant to fire leaders. The talk isn't about leadership, isn't about wildland fire, and yet there are lots of little nuggets of valuable information in it that fire leaders can use to become more confident and effective leaders. Part of being a good leader is being mindful of ourselves and our surroundings, and videos like this can promote discussion that will help raise individual and collective self-awareness.

As you watch the talk, think of your body language, and if there's anything she talks about that resonates with you. What are some ways that you can use this information in your life, at home or on the fireline? What do you think about the idea of "fake it 'til you are it?" What other lessons can you take from this talk?  Had you ever thought about command presence in this way before? Have you ever considered how you might be able to use "lifehacks" like this to become a better leader?

Until next time...

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Justin Vernon is a regular guest contributor on our blog. Justin works for the United States Forest Service and is a member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee as the steward of the Professional Reading Program. Check out his Chasing Fire blog. All expressions are those of the author.