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.