Words of Wisdom

(Credit: Tumisu/Pixabay)

From time to time, our readers and followers find issue with our blogs and posts, especially when the quote comes from someone who has found their actions to less than stellar. I understand the frustration, but I also know I need to cite the words that I choose. I could make the citation smaller, but I give full credit to the person cited.

IGNITE: Buying In

People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. - John C. Maxwell

[Photo: Kari Greer/USFS]

IGNITE: One Person Can Make a Difference

One person can make a difference and everyone should try. - John F. Kennedy

[Photo credit: Kari Greer/USFS]

Smooth Transitions

As we approach the end of the calendar year, many will attend gatherings to honor fellow co-workers moving into a new phase of life—retirement. In many cases, retirements mean vacancies to be filled, yet another new phase of life. Just like fire operations, handling the transition is critical. We may only have one shot to do it right.

IGNITE: Leaders are Learners

The best leaders are life-long students of leadership. - Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 60

Photo credit: Ben Eby

IGNITE: Anger and You

"Anger is never without reason, but seldom with a good one." - Benjamin Franklin

When Luck Runs Out

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What does a well-founded risk decision look like?
By Mark Smith, Mission-Centered Solutions
©Mission-Centered Solutions Version 7 FINAL (16 June 2017)

[Mark Smith has been presenting Luck Runs Out (What does a well-founded risk decision look like?) at IMT meetings, safety summits at wildfire academies, etc. Where The Big Lie was more a problem statement, Luck Runs Out is meant to focus on actionable, practical steps forward for IMTs and Agency Administrators. The above information started not as an essay but as a handout to go with presentations.]

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This paper is the result of an ongoing dialog around risk I’ve had within the post-Yarnell Honor the Fallen group. One member posed the rhetorical but critical question: “Should we be risking lives for suppression efforts or not?“ That prompted my response in The Big Lie essay on the levels of risk I think wildland firefighters operate in routinely, and how we could be more intelligently accepting that risk.

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IGNITE - What do you see?

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. - Henry David Thoreau

[Photo credit: La Grande IHC]

IGNITE: Grateful

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. - Seneca

A special shout out to all those who are supporting incidents across the globe. We are grateful for your service. To all our followers, thank you for your continued support. We couldn't do it without you.

[Photo credit: Kyle Miller/Wyoming IHC]

Body Talk - What are you saying?

(credit: Free Graphic Today/Pixabay)

Communication

(Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 22)

Communication is the primary tool for establishing an effective command climate. The ability to communicate effectively is universally rated as one of the most important leadership behaviors. Communication is the foundation upon which we build trust and enable our teams to develop cohesion. Effective communication is a two-way process. Good leaders actively listen to build trust with others.