IGNITE: Set the Example

 

Integrity: Set the Example

• Share the hazards and hardships with your subordinates.
• Don't show discouragement when facing setbacks.
• Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong.

[Photo credit: Kari Greer/USFS]

Leading the Learning

 

Leading the Learning

By Kelly Woods – Director, Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Most of us have read Leading in the Wildland Fire Service. It’s the yellow book you receive whenever you attend a wildland fire leadership course. If you have not read it cover to cover, you should – remember leaders are readers. We all undoubtedly are familiar with the contents of this book even if we have not read it numerous times. Within its pages, the core values of our business – duty, respect, and integrity are defined. The principles which guide leaders in support of these values are revealed. Together these words provide a leadership framework for wildland firefighters in all phases of their service.  Essentially, this book is where we find out what it means to be a leader in wildland fire.

Did you know there is a book like this for learning? Guess what it’s called…Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.

Command Presence - Story from the Fireline

After hearing that fires had broken out in the Placer Creek area in northern Idaho on August 21, 1910, Edward Pulaski, a local forest ranger, came to the firefighters’ aid, bringing food and medical supplies to nearly 50 crew members there. The men did not realize it, but they were situated on the edge of an impending firestorm, and Pulaski was about to lead them from certain death.

Challenge #7: 2021 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #7: Leaders know themselves and seek improvement.

• Download and use the Individual Development Plan Guide.
• Take the time today to start or update your Self-Development Plan Worksheet.
• Follower/Aspiring Leader
• New Leader
• Leader of People
• Leader of Leaders
• Leader of Organizations

Click here to visit the self-development tool. 

#2021WFLDPCampaign #selfdevelopment #fireleadership

IGNITE: Duty - Develop your people for the future.

 

DUTY

Develop your people for the future.

• Clearly state expectations.
• Delegate tasks that you are not required to do personally.
• Consider individual skill levels and developmental needs when assigning tasks.

#fireleadership #duty #developyourpeople

Command Presence

More than anything else, the leader’s command presence sets the tone for the command climate. Command presence is how we present ourselves to others, the myriad of personal attributes and behaviors that communicates to others that we are worthy of their trust and respect.

It's Time to Check Your Blindspots!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Throughout 2020 we traveled along the path of command presence and asked the question, "Do you know who you are?" Our hopes were for you to get a clear picture of who you are and how you are seen by your people. This self-awareness journey should have revealed your strengths and weaknesses. One of those weaknesses may have been things you didn't see—your blind spots. 

Opening yourself up to appraisal by others can be an insightful and growing experience. 

IGNITE: Know Yourself and Seek Improvement

INTEGRITY

Know yourself and seek improvement

• Know the strengths/weaknesses in your character and skill level.
• Ask questions of peers and supervisors.
• Actively listen to feedback from your people.

#fireleadership #selfdevelopment #integrity

Command Climate

Command climate refers to the environment within the influence of a particular leader or chain of command. 

Challenge #6 - 2021 WFLDP Campaign

Challenge #6: Leaders contribute to the greater good.

• Obtain and read the vignettes included in Leading in the Wildland Fire Service. (https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/494-2)
• New stories are needed. Submit yours. (https://www.nwcg.gov/contact)

#2021WFLDPCampaing #fireleadership