Avoiding a One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Style

 

(Chief Kelly Zombro, CalFire, talking about the 2003 Cedar Fire near San Diego, CA)

How many times have you taken a profile or survey to help you identify your leadership style? These profiles can give you a idea of your overall leadership preference. However, what individuals need to realize is that leaders should adapt their styles as the situation warrants. How you prefer to lead and how you should be leading under a given situation may be very different things. Avoid leading with a one-size-fits-all mentality.

IGNITE: One Style is Not Enough

The best leaders don’t know just one style of leadership—they’re skilled at several and have the flexibility to switch between styles as the circumstances dictate. ♦ Daniel Goleman ♦

[Photo: BLM]

Challenge #47 - 2021 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #47: Leaders with strong character create a better world for everyone.

•  Read Brenda van Camp’s article “The Importance of Character in Leadership.” 
• In your journal, write down the things that make someone trustworthy and the four key building blocks to develop strong character. Assess your character.

IGNITE: True Leadership

“True leadership is only possible when character is more important than authority.” - Joseph Marshall


[Photo: Jeremy Marshall]

Are you being the best person you can be?

 

After Lysippos [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Imagine a person who:

• Always knows what to say
• Can diffuse a tense situation
• Deliver tough news gracefully
• Confident without being arrogant
• Brave but not reckless
• Generous but never extravagant

[Source: Aristotle and Virtue Theory]

IGNITE: Character is a Choice

Talent is a gift, but character is a choice. - John C Maxwell

[Photo credit: Plumas IHC]

Challenge #46 - 2021 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #46: Good leaders think and think again, learn and unlearn.

• Read Adam Grant’s book Think Again.
• Watch Adam Grant’s TedTalk “What frogs in hot water can teach us about thinking again.” 

IGNITE: Learning is a Virtue

 

Beyond the L-Courses

 

(Photo credit: Dynamic Graphics)

So, you've taken that fire leadership course. Now what? Do you wait for your supervisor to approve the next course in line? Do you throw the student workbook on the shelf and get back to work? What is your plan?

IGNITE: Stay Hungry and Humble

Stay hungry and humble on the journey. When we stop learning as leaders, we stop growing as positive difference makers. - George Raveling

[Photo: Mitch Sylvester/BLM]