Leadership Under the Microscope

(Credit: Kermy/Pixabay)

Are you expecting to lead or learn to be a leader without a exerting a little energy? Leadership development is an active process the requires engagement both followers and leaders. 

As a wildland fire professional, each one of us has a duty to take care of those we lead or follow, those we work beside, and those we serve. This duty requires we take an active role in whatever level of leadership we find ourselves.

So what does it mean to take an active role in the process? Let's go back to learning about science and cell transport.

The following videos from Fuse School will provide us with a foundation on which to build.

Diffusion and Osmosis

Diffusion

• Biological Principle: Particles evenly spread out from an area of high concentration to low concentration down a concentration gradient.
• Leadership: Particles should spread both ways.  
• Biological Principle: No energy is expended.
• Leadership: Leadership is action; energy required!
• Biological Principle: The transfer must be in a gaseous or dissolved state.
• Leadership: The method of transfer is not limited.
• Biological Principle: A carrier protein may be used to assist transfer.
• Leadership: Mentors and coaches are great transfer assistants.

(Credit: Paul Combs)

Osmosis

• Biological Principle: Movement is specific to water.
• Leadership: The leader or the follower can transport.
• Biological Principle: Movement is random.
• Leadership: Intent is specific and decision making well-formed.
• Biological Principle: From high concentration of water molecules to low concentration of water to equilibrium.
• Leadership: Learning can flow via high or low concentration.
• Biological Principle: Cell may shrink or burst depending on the type of membrane.
• Leadership: "Feed" your people. Share information appropriate for sharing. Allow your team to grow and thrive.

Active Transport

• Biological Principle: Work has to be done. Energy is expended.
• Leadership: Leadership is an active process. Energy is expended. 
• Biological Principle: Protein carriers are needed; bonds are created for transport.
• Leadership: A leader cannot lead without followers.
• Leadership: Relationships matter.

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper

• Active versus Passive Leadership by James Albers
•  Leadership and the New Science - Discovering Order in a Chaotic World by Margaret J. Wheatley

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Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.