The Skilled Communicator

"Listen" by highersights is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

“Communications” is a foundational element of firefighter safety as seen in the 10 Standard Orders, 18 Watch Out Situations, LCES, and Leading in the Wildland Fire Service (see below). Unfortunately, failure of communication remains a constant finding in accident and incident reviews. So how can we become skilled communicators?

IGNITE: To Hear What Isn't Said

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said. – Peter Drucker

[Photo: Entiat IHC]

Challenge #8 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #8 – Servant-Leaders are skillful communicators.

• Read pages 15-76 in Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership by James Sipe and Don Frick.
• Focus on Pillar II – Skilled Communicator. We will return to Pillar I.
• Dig deeper on the Portal at http://ow.ly/jVBj50M1zKB.

#servantleadership #2023WFLDPCampaign

IGNITE: The Energy of Compassion

 

You have to protect yourself with the energy of compassion so that when you listen, instead of consuming toxins, you’re actively producing more compassion in yourself.” - The Art of Communication by Thich Nhat Hanh


[Austin Catlin/BLM]

Diagnose Before You Prescribe

As we continue our journey down the servant leadership path focusing on listening and the skilled communicator, I am again inspired by something Stephen Covey mentioned in Habit #5...talk about diagnosing before prescribing.

IGNITE: Peace, Compassion & Joy

“We can communicate in such a way as to solidify the peace and compassion in ourselves and bring joy to others.” - Thich Nhat Hanh, "The Art of Communication"

[Photo: Pioneer Peak IHC]

Challenge #7 - 2023 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #7: A Servant-Leader listens earnestly and speaks effectively.

Download and read “Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders” by Larry Spears. Read pp. 1-14 in Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership by James Sipe and Don Frick. Dig deeper on the Portal. #servantleadership #2023WFLDPCampaign

IGNITE: Listen to Understand

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. – Stephen Covey

[Photo: San Juan IHC]

IGNITE: Leadership is an affair of the heart.

 

Leadership is not an affair of the head. Leadership is an affair of the heart. 

– Kouzes & Posner by James Sipe & Don Frick, The Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership

Another Confession - I Want to Listen with My Heart

(Listen, Understand, Act" by highersights is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.)

In my last blog, I shared with you that I am a horrible communicator. As I do my research for the 2023 Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) campaign on servant leadership, I have more work to do on listening to others. I want to move from being an active listener to an empathic listener.