IGNITE: The Power of the Resilient Team

The ultimate team result is resilience: teams that can bounce back when problems or errors threaten cohesion and synergy. - Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 55)

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[Photo credit: Josh Neighbors/South Dakota Wildland Fire]

From the Reading List - Extreme Ownership

One of the books chosen for the 2017 Professional Reading List was Extreme Ownership by  Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Through all of last season, and over the winter, we heard from folks in the field recommending this book to us... So to all who recommended it, thanks!

For me, what really sets Extreme Ownership apart as a stellar book on leadership is its applicability... It doesn't matter if you're the Chief or a rookie, there's something in here that you can apply in your everyday life. Running a complex program? Check, there are lessons to be shared about how to thrive in complex environments. Rookie on a hotshot crew? Check, there are lessons to be had about self leadership and owning your actions. Something in between? You can bet there's a way to apply ideas and concepts from the book in your specific situation.

IGNITE: Better Followers = Better Leaders

Better followers beget better leaders. - Barbara Kellerman

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[Photo credit: Jeri Peterson/ODF]

The Best Investment

"Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you." - Robin S. Sharma

Living the Passion

Living the Passion from The Smokey Generation on Vimeo.

Gina Papke is passionate about her career in wildland firefighting. Do you have the same level of engagement with and passion for your job?

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper

• Where are you located on Integro Leadership Institute's The Passion Pyramid™?
• Where would you like to be and how do you intend to get to that location on the pyramid?

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What is your story? We challenge you to become a part of this amazing  project and share your leadership stories. Bethany Hannah began The Smokey Generation: A Wildland Fire Oral History and Digital Storytelling Project for her master's thesis. All members of the wildland fire service, not just hotshots, can share their stories by following her example. Click here for potential leadership questions. Visit The Smokey Generation website for complete information.

Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles

The Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles are our foundation and resulted from the sacrifices of those before you. Take a moment to read them, commit them to memory, and lead well in their honor.

DUTY

• Be proficient in your job, both technically and as a leader.
• Make sound and timely decisions.
• Ensure tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
• Develop your people for the future.

RESPECT

• Know your people and look out for their well-being.
• Keep your people informed.
• Build the team.
• Employ your people in accordance with their capabilities.

INTEGRITY

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

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper

• Download a copy of and read Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.

IGNITE: Leaders Need Guiding Principles

Leaders without guiding principles are undependable followers. – Dan Rockwell

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[Photo: Stefanie Garcia/National Park Service]

When Words Harm

(Photo credit: borzaya/Thinkstock)

Since the beginning of time, humans have tried to "break the code" of effective communication. Yet even with research and technological advancements, the fact remains that communication and relationships between communicators fail because of what we say and how we say it. Words matter!

Achieving Greatness through Action

A Bias for Action
Leaders in the wildland fire service are not only empowered but also duty-bound to act on a situation that is within our power to affect, even without direction from above.

2017 Professional Reading List is Live!

The WFDLP is issuing the 2017 reading challenge!  The books chosen as the primary focus for this year are: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin; Team of Teams by retired Army General Stanley McChrystal; The Art of Authenticity by Karissa Thacker; and Resilience by Eric Greitens.

Integrity: Set the Example

Integrity: Set the Example

• Share the hazards and hardships with your subordinates.
• Don't show discouragement when facing setbacks.
• Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong.

[Photo credit: Kari Greer/USFS]

Integrity: Seek Responsibility and Accept Responsibility for Your Actions

Integrity: Seek Responsibility and Accept Responsibility for Your Actions

• Accept full responsibility for and correct poor team performance.
• Credit subordinates for good performance.
• Keep your superiors informed of your actions.

[Photo credit: Folsom Lake Hand Crew]

Leading on the Spectrum

(Photo credit: Kim Steele/Thinkstock)

Spectrums and scales can be found throughout the wildland fire environment. Here are a couple.

Integrity: Know Yourself and Seek Improvement

Integrity: Know Yourself and Seek Improvement

• Know the strengths/weaknesses in your character and skill level.
• Ask questions of peers and supervisors.
• Actively listen to feedback from subordinates.

[Photo credit: Kari Greer/USFS]

Respect: Employ Your Subordinates in Accordance with Their Capabilities

Respect: Employ your subordinates in accordance with their capabilities.

• Observe human behavior as well as fire behavior.
• Provide early warning to subordinates of tasks they will be responsible for.
• Consider team experience, fatigue, and physical limitations when accepting assignments.

[Photo credit: Brian Childs]