“In crisis, it’s tough to keep people focused on the team rather than themselves.”People around the world have been riveted to the Chilean mine entrapment of 33 workers for 69 days some 2,000 feet below the earth’s surface. On October 13, 2010, all 33 men were rescued. The final rescue was that of the crew’s leader, Luis Urzua.
In the coming years we will see a number of books and movies about the ordeal. We will undoubtedly hear differing opinions on the effectiveness of Luis Urzua’s leadership; therefore, I take this opportunity to focus on the positive side of the story.
Kathy Kristof of CBS’s MoneyWatch.com wrote a great piece fire leaders should read called “Chilean Miners: Leadership Lessons from Luis Urzua.” She organized his effective leadership into the following categories and provides meaningful advice for all leaders:
- Reputation
- Teamwork
- Focus
- Discipline
- Shared Credit
- Higher Purpose
As a fire leader, consider how you would have handled the situation. Are there lessons learned that you can apply to your leadership?
Other articles related to the Chilean miners:
- Trapped Chilean Miners Forge Refuge - Alexei Barrionuevo, The New York Times
- What We Can Learn About Leadership from the Chilean Miners, Scott Eblin, Executive Coach (Government Executive.com)
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