The Power of a Story

(Photo: Morgan888/Pixabay)

Storytelling is woven into the fabric of our culture. When I became involved in wildland fire training development, I was told that one of the most important aspects of the NWCG curriculum is the instructor's experience. Being able to tell our stories is a powerful teaching tool. Not everyone has the gift of storytelling, but nearly everyone has a story to tell and can learn the skill.

Challenge #19 - The Art of Leadership

IGNITE: Leadership Is Hard

Leadership is hard, but the challenges you’ll face as a leader don’t require that you compromise your integrity, misuse your leadership power, or act obnoxiously and selfishly. - Bill Treasurer, The Leadership Killer

Challenge #18: The Art of Leadership

Survey your team members. What special gifts do they bring to the organization?

IGNITE: The Capacity to Develop and Improve

(Photo credit: Baker River IHC)

It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from their followers.

 Warren Bennis & Burt Nanus œ

Boise Helitack Receives the Lead by Example Award for Initiative and Innovation

Boise Helitack
Boise District - BLM
Honored for Initiative and Innovation

Boise District Helitack with their 2019 Gleason Award for motivation and vision

The Boise Helitack has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2018 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award. Three individuals and one group from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

Pete Barry Receives LBE Award for Mentoring and Teamwork

(State Forester Mike Lester, right, presents the Lead by Example Award to Pete Barry)

Pete Barry
Colorado State Forest Service
Honored for Mentoring and Teamwork


Pete Barry has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2018 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award. Three individuals and one group from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

Challenge 17: The Art of Leadership

Challenge #17: Art of Leadership
In your journal, ponder the following: Are you a leader who does fire work or are you a firefighter who does leadership?

IGNITE: Stress, Fear & Panic

Stress, fear, and panic predictably lead to the collapse of clear thinking and organizational structure. - Ted Putnam

Ted Putnam

Challenge #16 - The Art of Leadership

Challenge #16: The Art of Leadership

Be willing to follow should the need or circumstance arise.