Can't see the forest for the trees...

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Ponder the following phrase: "can't see the forest for the trees."

The Urban dictionary provides this meaning to the phrase:

When you are too close to a situation you need to step back and get a little perspective. When you do you will notice there was a whole forest you couldn't see before because you were too close, and focusing on the trees.

Simply that you have focused on the many details and have failed to see the overall view, impression or key point.

IGNITE: Lessons through Embers

Old fires carry embers that can turn to flame and teach new lessons to later generations.

John Maclean

IGNITE: Handling Errors

(Photo: Kari Greer/USFS)

Two elements of successful leadership: a willingness to be wrong and an eagerness to admit it. - Seth Godin

The Path of Self-Leadership

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Since the early 2000's, the wildland fire service has had access to a leadership development program. Prior to the establishment of this program, leadership development was likely more reliant on your supervisor’s ability to plan for your progression, circumstances that would lead to leadership moments and other activities outside of work that would lead to leadership experience.

IGNITE: Smoothness in the Transition

The smoothness of turn taking is a powerful indicator of cohesive group performance.  

Daniel Coyleœ

IGNITE: The Robe of Responsibility

(Photo credit: Kari Greer/USFS)

The cloak of leadership is not the mantle of comfort, but rather the robe of responsibility.

Henry Ford

Just Breathe

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We have all been there—you have a mind full of "stuff" and a decision or two or three to make. Maybe you are tired, hangry, fires are active across the area, and/or communities are threatened. Maybe it is your house that is threatened and your loved ones evacuating while you battle the fire. You are at or beyond the worst-case scenario; you have some critical decisions to make and ethical dilemmas to resolve.

IGNITE: From Weakness to Strength

Build your weaknesses until they become your strong points!

Knute Rochne

IGNITE: Leadership Demands Restraint and Consideration

(Photo credit: La Grande IHC)

Leadership demands periods of restraint and consideration. - Harry M. Kraemer

Confessions of an Information Junkie

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I have a confession to make. I am an information junkie. If there is something to learn (that interests me), I jump in (until another squirrel runs by, that is). Over the last few years, that was politics. I became a newsfeed junkie and found myself losing all objectivity. The pursuit of truth became my addiction. Then it happened, I realized truth was what others wanted me to believe. I had to take action.

IGNITE: Taking Care of Your People

[Photo credit: Ventana Handcrew]

Being a leader is about taking care of your people. - John Canley, Medal of Honor Recipient 

IGNITE: Say "NO" to the Status Quo

A leader who loves the status quo soon becomes a follower. - John Maxwell

[Photo credit: Entiat IHC]

Eustress Me Out

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Does thinking about stress, stress you out?

Stressed out is frequently referred to as a negative experience. However, stress can actually have a positive effect. Positive stress is called "eustress" while negative stress is called "distress." When taken to the extremes, either of these stressors can affect the human body.

IGNITE: Living Relationships

"Culture is a set of living relationships working toward a shared goal. It's not something you are. It's something you do." - Daniel Coyle

[Photo credit: TJ O'Neill/Prescott IHC]