IGNITE - The Language of Leadership

The art of communication is the language of leadership. – James Humes, former presidential speechwriter

[Photo: Austin Catlin/BLM]

Integrity - Summary

 

Integrity is how we value ourselves. We cannot be in charge of others unless we are in charge of ourselves. People of integrity separate what is right from what is wrong and act according to what they know is right, even at personal cost. 

• Know yourself and seek improvement.
• Seek responsibility and accept responsibility for your actions.
• Set the example.

[Click here to download a copy of Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.]

Leaders Are Readers and Writers

 

Today's blog is inspired by Jacqueline Woodson's TedTalk "What Reading Slowly Taught Me About Writing." Jacqueline talks about how the speed reading craze impacted her ability to write. Like Jacqueline, I was a child of the '70s and remember how much this effort affected reading in my family.

IGNITING: The Right Word

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. - Mark Twain

[Photo: Garrett Loper]

Moral Courage - Stories from the Fireline

 

The horrifying tangle of bodies and fire shelters on the side of Storm King Mountain after the afternoon blowup spoke of chaos and desperation—an attempted escape gone terribly wrong.

Challenge #38 - 2021 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #38: Good leaders intentionally work on being good communicators.

• In your journal, construct a plan to develop your oral communication skills.
• Volunteer to conduct a briefing/debriefing. Consider being filmed.
• Ask for constructive feedback from a coach and your peers.
• Join a professional public speaking group, such as Toastmasters.

• Practice, practice, practice!

IGNITE: Bad Once

 

All the great speakers were bad speakers first. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Photo: Bureau of Land Management]

Moral Courage

Wildland fire leaders demonstrate moral courage by adhering to high ethical standards and choosing the difficult right over the easy wrong. We avoid ethical dilemmas by directing team members to operate in ways that are consistent with our professional standards and by directing them only to actions they can achieve ethically.

Speak Up

 

Would you rather die than speak to others? The Seinfeld comedy routine isn't that far off for many wildland firefighters. Many people avoid leadership positions because they don't want to speak in front of others or put their thoughts into the written word. Every level of leadership requires the development of communication skills, including the follower.

IGNITE: Talking About Life

Speakers who talk about what life has taught them never fail to keep the attention of their listeners. - Dale Carnegie

[Photo: Golden Eagles IHC]