A forum where students of fire and leadership come together to discuss, debate and exchange leadership development concepts, experience, and thoughts with an intent to promote cultural change in the workforce and strengthen the wildland fire service and the communities they serve.
Leadership is the art of influencing people in order to achieve a result. The most essential element for success in the wildland fire service is good leadership.
Leadership is not about a title. The wildland fire service prides itself on leadership at all levels. In this Smokey Generation video, Lee Miller shares a leadership success story of his transport driver having the courage to lead up.
We challenge you to watch the video and dig a little deeper into leading up.
As a member of the wildland fire service or a friend or family member of someone who is, you know that the Fourth of July weekend is always a busy time of the year for firefighters. This particular holiday is not one many of us get to celebrate. In fact, most of us are supporting fireline operations in one fashion or another.
Give yourself an even greater challenge than the one you are trying to master and you will develop the powers necessary to overcome the original difficulty. – William Bennett
The ultimate team result is resilience: teams that can bounce back when problems or errors threaten cohesion and synergy. - Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 55)
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One of the books chosen for the 2017 Professional Reading List was Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Through all of last season, and over the winter, we heard from folks in the field recommending this book to us... So to all who recommended it, thanks!
For me, what really sets Extreme Ownership apart as a stellar book on leadership is its applicability... It doesn't matter if you're the Chief or a rookie, there's something in here that you can apply in your everyday life. Running a complex program? Check, there are lessons to be shared about how to thrive in complex environments. Rookie on a hotshot crew? Check, there are lessons to be had about self leadership and owning your actions. Something in between? You can bet there's a way to apply ideas and concepts from the book in your specific situation.
"Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you." - Robin S. Sharma
Gina Papke is passionate about her career in wildland firefighting. Do you have the same level of engagement with and passion for your job?
Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper
Where are you located on Integro Leadership Institute's The Passion Pyramid™?
Where would you like to be and how do you intend to get to that location on the pyramid?
What is your story? We challenge you to become a part of this amazing project and share your leadership stories. Bethany Hannah began The Smokey Generation: A Wildland Fire Oral History and Digital Storytelling Project for her master's thesis. All members of the wildland fire service, not just hotshots, can share their stories by following her example. Click here for potential leadership questions. Visit The Smokey Generation website for complete information.
