IGNITE: Never Too Late

It is never too late to be what you might have become. - George Eliot

[Credit: Kathy Komatz, pen sketch, Yosemite, 1980s]

Do you have talent we can share? DM us.

#fireleadership

Challenge 33: 2020 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge 33: Effective leaders are good communicators.

• Read the book Mandela’s Way.
• Journalize how Nelson Mandela exhibited command presence and led through adversity.
• Journalize about which chapter stood out to you the most.

#2020WFLDPCampaign #commandpresence #fireleadership

IGNITE: Ripple Effects

A leader's accomplishments are measured in lifetimes. Our character, decisions, and actions create powerful ripple effects that continue to influence people and organizations long after we are gone. - Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 67

[Seedskadee and Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuges/Tom Koernar]

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If Learning Were a Virus

(Photo: Pam McDonald)

I never imagined that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that I would find a letter to my grandmother from a sibling regarding the 1918 pandemic. It was as if I had taken a step back in history. I, too, contemplate whether or not I should take the shots when a vaccine is found.

IGNITE: Control

“Work with what you have control of and you’ll have your hands full.” ♦ James Stockdale, paraphrasing the Stoics ♦ 

[Photo: San Juan Hotshots]

#fireleadership

Challenge 32: 2020 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge 32: Effective leaders learn from others.

• Watch the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
• Journalize where you see examples of command presence.
• Note what you most admire about a leader you respect when they are leading through adversity in a positive way.

We've Got to Go Through It

[Photo: Kari Greer/USFS]

These are unprecedented times...at least for me anyways. However, this time in history is really just that—a time in history. There have been worse pandemics, worse leaders, etc. For heaven's sakes, there were dinosaurs wandering this planet at one time. But this is our time and our adventure, and the only way to get through it is to go through it. 

IGNITE: Understanding History

We need to understand history so that we can learn from it, so we can see the true costs of arrogance, of appeasing evil, and taking shortcuts, as well as the glory of courage, justice, and temperance. ♦ The Daily Stoic, blog♦

[Photo: Justin Vernon]

#fireleadership

Challenge 31: 2020 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge 31: Fire leaders seek knowledge from other leaders.

• Journalize your perception of or facts you know about Nelson Mandela.
• If you are not familiar, conduct research and write a summary about him in your journal.

IGNITE: Trusting Our People

“When we tell people to do their jobs, we get workers. When we trust people to get the job done, we get leaders.” ♦ Simon Sinek ♦

[Photo: Kari Greer/USFS]

IGNITE: People with Strong Presence

“People who have a strong presence are able to connect with and inspire those around them across situations.” ♦ Kristi Hedges, “The Power of Presence” ♦

[Photo: Central fire, Koreena Haynes/BLM-AZ]

Challenge 30: 2020 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge 30: Fire leaders never stop learning.

Familiarize yourself with the WFLDP Toolbox.

• Professional Reading Program
• Leadership Media (www.fireleadership.gov)

Journalize how you have utilized these two tools in the past and how you can utilize them moving forward.

IGNITE: Know Before You Go

“The jungle is never dangerous if you know the trails.” - Unknown

[Photo: Justin Vernon]

#fireleadership #situationawareness

What Is Your Why?

(Tumwater Falls, Olympia, WA, where fish jump up the falls; photo: Pam McDonald)

Three to six months ago, our world was rocked when the smallest of enemies attacked Earth's inhabitants. A novel coronavirus emerged as a deadly foe to, at this writing, over half a million people. We learn more and more about this virus on a daily basis, but many of us remain steadfast in our response. Why are we so divided on all things Covid-19? Why does wearing/not wearing a mask seem like a salmon swimming upstream to return to their spawning ground?