Challenge #52 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #52: Leaders contemplate the past, present, and future.

In our journal respond to the following:

• Past – Reflect upon this year’s campaign. What did you learn? How will you integrate these nuggets into your leadership environment?
• Present – List five things that matter to you.
• Future – In your journal, list five things you want to accomplish in 2023.

IGNITE: Do The Right Thing

Always do the right thing, always be exciting, always be encouraging, and always be learning something new! Zig Ziglar

[Photo: Lassen IHC]

Road Map to a New Year

New Year’s Eve is creeping ever closer by the minute, and the beginning of a year is slowly rising on the horizon. It is that time of year for resolutions and marked change. If you are a gym goer, you know that it means waiting for a squat rack so someone can finish curls or attempting that awkward conversation to work in on a pull-down machine. Most people begin the New Year with resolutions and grand ideas of change; that sometimes fall short of the mark. At this critical point of the year, I suggest an alternative—instead of resolutions, write goals.

2023 WFLDP Campaign - In Service of Others

         
Theme:

The theme for the 2023 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign is “In Service Of Others.”

IGNITE: Duty to Serve

The freedom to do your own thing ends when you have obligations and responsibilities. - Lou Holtz, coach

[Photo: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]

Challenge #51 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #51: Effective leaders/teachers embrace a growth mindset.

• Identify areas you want to focus personal and crew development in 2023.
• Embed learning opportunities into your daily/weekly/monthly calendar.
• Set the example for others to follow.

IGNITE: Make a Difference

Focus on making a difference now, not changing the world later. - Dan Rockwell, leadership blogger

[Photo: Union IHC]

 

Closeness Only Counts...

(Photo credit: Dark Souls1/Pixabay)

There is an old adage that says, "closeness only counts in horseshoes and grenades." We know these two things are not the only places where closeness matters. In this blog, we will discuss the effects of closeness on relationship development.

IGNITE: Good vs. Great Questions

Good questions inform. Great questions transform. - John Maxwell, American author

[Photo: Jeremy Bennett/BIA]

LBE - Nominate Someone Today

 

Do you know someone in wildland fire who leads by example? 

Nominations are being accepted to recognize members of the wildland fire community who exemplify the wildland values and principles in the areas of: 

• Mentoring and Teamwork
• Motivation and Vision 
• Initiative and Innovation

Visit our website to nominate someone by 12/31.

Challenge #50 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #50: Successful leaders develop leaders. High performing team members crave development.” – Dan Rockwell

• Build a culture of lifelong learning into your organization.
• Work with your team to develop a plan to develop self and team.

IGNITE: Changing Our Thinking

 

The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them. - Albert Einstein, Theoretical physicist

[Photo: Pioneer Peak IHC]

IGNITE: Intentions to Reality

 

“Our intention creates our reality.” - Wayne Dyer

[Photo: Jackson IHC]

Challenge #49 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #49: Leaders share what they learn.

• Routinely share lessons learned between your team members.
• Ensure all members of the team contribute.
• Document lessons learned and shared.

IGNITE: Define Reality & Give Hope

The role of leader is to define reality and give hope. - Ken Chenault, former American Express CEO

[Photo: Tallac IHC]

Statera

(Photo: Chris Ayer)

My wife probably will not be as excited about this post as she has been about some of the other ones; but, to me it hammers home a point—a wildfire spouse learns burn periods, has taken an S-290 class (even if it was taught unwillingly), and eventually understands the inner workings of regions, GACCs, and the NICC. A direct quote from my beautiful wife:

What the hell are you doing on the phone constantly? Working after everyone goes to bed? It is not even season and might be inching into a burn period, but it is off season. You need to spend some time with the family!! (This quote might have been edited slightly for colorful language.)

IGNITE: What will you do?

 

“It isn’t sufficient just to want—you’ve got to ask yourself what you’re going to do to get the things you want.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

[Photo: Kari Greer/USFS]

Challenge #48: 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #48: Leaders are compassionate.

• Read the Daily Coach “Kind vs. Nice” blog
• If you haven’t already, create a personal journal and begin taking notes.

IGNITE: The future is made...

 

“The future is made by those who can go forth with courage, with adaptable, open minds, learning to discover, to agitate and instigate, and to collaborate and build, always with a bias for action.” ― Beth Comstock

[Photo: Lone Peak IHC]

Reflections

 Today's blog comes from The Daily Coach. As we begin sunsetting 2022, take a moment to reflect and journalize upon the following items.

Life Is About Growth

Be proud of how you have handled these last 11 months:

• The silent battles you have fought.
• The moments you had to humble yourself.
• The times you have wiped your own tears.
• For quieting the noise and focusing on cultivating a life that feels nourishing.

Each day is a unique opportunity to celebrate our journey, story, strength, and resiliency. As we embark on these final weeks of 2022, let’s take breaks, prioritize our peace, and allow ourselves to start and start again.

Question

Think of something you have struggled with this year. If you step back and zoom out, what is one lesson you have learned from the experience?

IGNITE: The Courage to Admit Your Are Wrong

 

Successful people have the courage to admit when they are wrong. - Steve Keating, leadership expert

[Photo: Baker River IHC]

Challenge #47 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #47: Effective leaders/teachers take notes.

• Read Dan Rockwell’s “Idiots Don’t Take Notes.”
• If you haven’t already, create a personal journal and begin taking notes.

IGNITE: Learning for Success

Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field! - Denis Waitley 

[Photo: Asheville IHC]

IGNITE: Happy Thanksgiving 2023

Happy Thanksgiving to our followers and their family & friends. 

We are grateful for you.

[Photo: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]

IGNITE: Change

 

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou

[Photo: Kari Greer]

Challenge #46 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #46: Leaders are motivated to make things better.

• Send comments/feedback to the LLC about "Learning in the Wildland Fire Service."

IGNITE: Actions Followed by Consistency

Actions open doors. Consistency keeps them open. - Rob Stanmore, pastor

[Photo: Zephyr Fire Crew]

IGNITE: There are No Secrets to Success

'

There are no “secrets” to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. - Colin Powell

[Photo: Lassen IHC]

Challenge #45 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

    

Challenge #45: Leaders and students have integrity.

• Journalize about your journey with integrity.
• Know yourself.
• Seek self-improvement.
• Seek responsibility.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Set the example.
• Set one goal to accomplish in 2023 to further your development.

IGNITE: Teach for the Student's Future

Teachers should prepare the student for the student's future, not for the teacher's past. - Richard Hamming, American mathematician

[Photo: Union IHC]

Squirrel!

"Squirrel with kernel of corn" by Pearl Photo is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

There you are—working in flow. Then "bing," "ring," or "buzz." The sounds of notifications clamor for your attention just like squirrels to a nearby dog. One little check of my phone, a short call, or a quick jump to another project won't cause you problems. You'll be back in flow and finish the task at hand. I am a great multitasker! Right? 

IGNITE: Leadership Leaves No Trace

We know true collaboration happened when the idea can no longer be traced to one person. - Simon Sinek

[Photo: Jeremy Bennett/BIA]

Framework for Learning Summary

 

Despite our attempts to reduce learning into a predictable process, the entire framework for learning is a chaotic environment which is difficult to predict. The smallest changes or actions can have the most profound consequences. As a leader in wildland fire, you are well-prepared to thrive in this environment. YOU make a difference.

Challenge #44 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #44: Leaders/teachers actively listen in order to give constructive feedback.'

• Be present when interacting with others.
• Encourage students/team members to dig deeper by asking relevant questions to further conversations.

IGNITE: Share the Pain & Joy

 

“Pain shared is pain divided. Joy shared is joy multiplied.” - Dave Grossman, author
[Photo: Jacob McIntyre, Bear Jaw Interagency Fire & Fuels Crew]

Best Practice #23: Provide Feedback through Active Listening

 

Learner performance improves when the leader provides meaningful feedback on performance. Provide written comments on student assignments about the strengths and weaknesses of their ideas and concepts. But be cautious with praise. If it is used too often, or inappropriately, it can have a negative effect on the motivation of adult learners. Timely and constructive comments about performance provide recognition of their efforts and help to correct errors. Used appropriately, feedback should clearly specify the action being reinforced and should be believable.

Consistency Over Time

(Photo: Aaron Bartz)

“Consistency” by meaning (circa 1716) is the "steady adherence to principles, patterns of action, etc." The word itself has changed meaning and definition from different periods, but the definition from 1716 is so simple we overlook it. Exactly like our new year’s resolutions of getting in the gym or starting a fitness program, we have lofty goals and expectations but most fall short in the same attempt, consistency.

IGNITE: Treat Them Well

 

“Train them well enough so that they can leave, treat them well enough so that they won't want to leave.” - Sir Richard Branson

[Photo: Lassen IHC]

Best Practice #22: Recognize Individual Differences

 

Some people learn at a slower pace than others and some require different stimuli to become motivated to learn. The leader must establish an effective student-teacher trust relationship. It is important that the teacher does not create barriers, but builds a rapport with the students and shows empathy and genuine concern for their learning.

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

Challenge #43 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #43: Leaders/teachers are effective storytellers.

• Read Hold and Improve – collection of fire stories edited by Bre Ocrasitas.
• Click here for more storytelling references on our blog.

IGNITE: Elevate Your Actions

The best leaders never need to raise their voices. They instead elevate their actions. - The Daily Coach blog

[Photo: Midewin IHC]

Best Practice #21: Provide Examples and Analogies

 

Providing a variety of examples and analogies when teaching concepts or skills will help solidify the key elements of the material and can further motivate students to learn. “The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” Metaphors matter because they are memorable. Alliteration helps, too.

 [Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

Tough Transitions

(Photo: Pam McDonald)

Transitions are one of the most critical moments during fire operations. The same can be said about our personal lives. One of the toughest transitions I have ever made was returning to the office environment after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing could have prepared me for the difficulties I experienced.

IGNITE: Think Well - Write Well

“Clear writing gives poor thinking nowhere to hide, making a lack of understanding visible.” - Shane Parrish, Farnam Street e-newsletter

[Photo: Jay Kurth/USFS]

Best Practice #20: Recognize Potential in Students

 

Behavioral scientists have concluded that humans function at 10 percent or less of their potential. Negative views of self certainly stand in the way of releasing the potential of learners.

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

Challenge #42 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #42: Effective leaders/teachers express their intentions.

• Watch “Leader’s Intent” with Mark Smith. 
• Click here for more “intent” references in our Toolbox

IGNITE: The End Result of Learning

 

“Change is the end result of all true learning.” - Leo Buscaglia, author

[Photo: USFS]

Best Practice #19: Have High but Reasonable Expectations for Learners

There is a considerable amount of research that suggests that learners perform up to the expectations that leaders have for them. Learners grow, flourish, and develop better in a relationship with someone who projects an inherent trust and belief in their capacity to become what they have the potential to become.

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

Leadership Self-Study Courses on the WFLP

 

(Image by Pixaline from Pixabay)

The wildland fire leadership levels illustrate the standard for desired leaderships skills and knowledge needed at various levels of the organization. These levels reference information found in Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, PMS 494-2; the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1; the Individual Development Plan Guide; and OPM’s Proficiency Levels for Leadership Competencies.

Learn about the different levels of leadership and self-study learning opportunities within the Wildland Fire Learning Portal:

IGNITE: Kindle the Mind

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

Plutarch, Greek philosopher

[Photo: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]

Best Practice #18: Consider Mastery Learning

Mastery is defined in terms of a specific set of major objectives that students are expected to exhibit by subject completion. Using this approach, a learner’s performance is measured against objectives rather than against the performance of other students. Students learn at different rates, therefore the teacher sets expectations for each individual. This allows time for learning to vary, so all—or almost all—students achieve the desired level of mastery. 

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]