Author: Christopher Ayer, Corona De Tucson Fire Department
How do we
develop leadership and growth in our younger crew members between classes?
The Diamond Mountain Hotshots have adopted a unique strategy for fostering growth and leadership within their crew. Recognizing a gap in leadership development after completing the L-280 course "Followership to Leadership", a crew member highlighted the lack of intermediate training opportunities that could further enhance leadership skills.
Meghann Gunther, a member of the crew, articulated this concern. Gunther underscores the necessity of supplemental training to bridge the gap between foundational courses like L-280 and higher-level leadership roles. She emphasizes that such training is vital for not only her personal development but also for cultivating the leadership potential within her crew.
“There
were no additional resources given to the building our leadership skills during
our upcoming season and it felt more like an event to simply check boxes for
wildfire qualifications. It's content was made up of well-intentioned material,
but it felt sterile. I didn’t come away with a lot of that translated to me on
an operational basis at my GS-3 level. Maybe I was put through that class too
early. However, it was the next step in leadership training available and it
was an opportunity to attend and participate.”
The superintendent of the Diamond Mountain Hotshots, Daniel Dobyns recognized an opportunity to invest in his crew’s growth and took proactive steps to address their needs. By engaging in open dialogue and asking thoughtful questions, he worked with the team to identify areas where development was most needed. Together, they devised an innovative plan to foster leadership and communication skills: a weekly reading and discussion group, or “book club.” The crew began reading and discussing chapters from the Extreme Ownership Workbook, a guide rooted in the principles of leadership and accountability outlined by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.
Each
Monday, they dedicated time to reflect on the reading, sharing insights and
exploring ways to apply the lessons in their daily work. In addition, Megahnn
Gunther introduced Dale Carnegie's
classic How to Win Friends and Influence People, recognizing that strong
communication skills were crucial for both individual and team success. This
dual focus on leadership and interpersonal development exemplifies the crew's
commitment to holistic growth, ensuring that each member not only performs well
in their roles but also gains the skills necessary to lead and collaborate
effectively.
This
approach underscores a significant leadership lesson for superintendents,
engine bosses, and captains: the value of incorporating underutilized methods
to foster growth and engagement within crews and engines. Our personnel are eager for opportunities to develop
their skills and leadership potential, creating a synergistic relationship
where we as leaders are learning from them incorporating a growth mindset. By
offering innovative and alternative strategies to meet these needs, leaders can
achieve both individual growth and increased crew buy-in. While foundational
leadership courses provide an essential starting point, they are not sufficient
to sustain motivation and development throughout a firefighter's career.
In
today’s challenging environment of retention, creating positive opportunities
for growth and engagement is critical to keeping talented personnel excited
about their work in wildfire management. Resources like the NWCG Professional Reading Program offer a wealth of tools, including curated
books and discussion guides, to support self-study and facilitate meaningful
growth for individuals and crews. By leveraging these resources and encouraging
creative approaches, leaders can cultivate a motivated, cohesive team ready to
face the dynamic demands of wildland firefighting.
Christopher Ayer is a Captain/
Paramedic/ Engine Boss Trainee/ Wildland Coordinator for Corona De Tucson Fire
Department in Tucson Arizona. The expressions and views are those of the author.
