Wildland Fire Leadership: Search results for shackleton

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Friday, April 6, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 1)

"Shackleton’s name lives on as a synonym for courage, bravery and most of all, leadership. Out of his biggest disaster came his greatest victory which enabled the world to understand his true virtues of endurance, optimism, hope, fortitude, fortune and grace." ~ EnduranceRow.com

(Source: Wikipedia)

The leadership lessons of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton have long been talked about within the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP). Shackleton was a born leader driven by ambition and quest for adventure during a time of when polar exploration made explorers worldly heroes. In this 11-part video series (each approximately 10 minutes long) on YouTube, we will study Shackleton's leadership during crisis of the Endurance Expedition where the quest to traverse across Antarctica gave way to a mission of crew survival.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic
Part 1 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

Sir Ernest Shackleton had failed at previous missions. What (good or bad) makes a leader move forth even in the light of uncertainty and previous failure?
Shackleton hand-picked his crew of 27 from a list of 5,000. How important is having the people you trust a part of your team?
"Sometimes I think I'm no good at anything but being away in the wilds." What was Shackleton searching for?
Knighthood didn't seem enough for Shackleton. His need to do something no other human being had done--being the first to traverse the Antarctic on foot--seemed to consume his ambition. Have you seen examples of this leadership?

Additional Reading

The WFLDP Professional Reading Program features two books about his leadership in the Wildland Book on Books:

Alfred Lansing. Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage (retired in 2011).
Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell. Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer.

Friday, May 4, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 5)

"Shackleton's greatest characteristic was the ability to compel loyalty even against his men's better judgment." ~ Roland Huntford, polar historian

Ocean Camp
Source: Cool Antarctic

Part 5 of "Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic," presents Shackleton with his biggest challenge: keeping crew morale high. Shackleton becomes ill and resigns himself to his tent. When he emerges, he gives his men purpose: to reach land. McNish becomes insubordinate and Shackleton's decision-making comes into question.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 5 of 11

Push to land
Source: James Caird Society

Thoughts to Ponder

How do you deal with subordinates who challenge authority?
Was Shackleton's optimism a strength or weakness?
"No leader on the edge of survival can tolerate the least threat to his authority." (Roland Huntford, polar historian) Harry McNish becomes insubordinate and a threat to crew cohesion following Shackleton's decision to renew the march to land and rejection of McNish's proposal to build a sloop with the ship's wreckage. Lionel Greenstreet openly questions Shackleton's judgment. How do you handle subordinates who question your judgment?

Additional Information

Friday, May 18, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 7)

"Shackleton had saved his men. In a sense he had gotten them all alive out of the ice and one terra firma, but now how to get back to civilization." ~ Roland Huntford, polar historian

(Men left on Elephant Island, Cool Antarctica website)

After seven bleak days at sea, the crew touches land for the first time in 497 days in Part 7 of "Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic." Although on land, the party is in bad shape and conditions uninhabitable. Shackleton makes the decision to fetch help by setting sail in the James Caird with a few of the crew.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 7 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

Shackleton makes a bold decision to fetch help and break up the crew. What do you think of his plan? Discuss his decision with others.
What do you think about Shackleton's selection of the members he chose to sail for help? Have you dealt with difficult personalities on your team?
Shackleton redeems members of the crew who had been demoted. How do you feel about giving members of your team a second chance?
What do you think of Shackleton's leaving Wilde to lead the crew on Elephant Island?

Information

Friday, June 1, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 9)

"We've got to take a risk. Are you game?" ~ Sir Ernest Shackleton

(Panorama view of South Georgia Island, Frank Hurley photo from Shackleton's book South, The Encyclopedia of Earth website)

Part 9 of our series sees Shackleton and the James Caird crew encounter more challenges before reaching the Fortuna Bay whaling station on South Georgia Island.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 9 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

What type of cohesion binds your team? How far would you go for your fellow firefighter?
Wag Dodge, Incident Commander on the Mann Gulch, attempted to get his crew to follow him into his escape fire to no avail. Why did Shackleton's crew follow him?
Shackleton musters the ability to organize the search party. What causes a leader to dig so deep for the life of a crew member? Have you encountered a leader who gave their all for the crew?

Additional Information

Friday, June 8, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 10)

"We've got to take a risk. Are you game?" ~ Sir Ernest Shackleton

(Chilean steamer Yelcho used to rescue the men from Elephant Island, Cool Antarctic website)

With the James Caird and crew safely on land, Shackleton attempts to rescue his crew from Elephant Island. Ice once again threatens to stand between the crew on Elephant Island and home.

Once rescued, the crew must assimilate back into society--a mad world at war.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 10 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

The Elephant Island crew all but gives up on Shackleton and the hope for rescue. What keeps a person going forward in the face of adversity?
How does a crew assimilate back into "normalcy" after such a horrific event?
How does perspective play into the transition back into society?
Was Shackleton right in withholding the Polar Medal from Holness, Vincent, McNish, and Stephenson?

Additional Information

Friday, June 15, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 11)

"By Endurance We Conquer" ~ Sir Ernest Shackleton

(Shackleton burial party, Submerged.co.uk)

In the final video of our series, the rescued crew has assimilated back into society. In 1921, Shackleton and few members of the Endurance crew embark of a journey South. However, Shackleton dies at the age of 47 of a heart attack before reaching South Georgia. The crew continues the odyssey revisits Elephant Island.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 11 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

How important is it to revisit the sites of our struggles (darkest hours)?
Have you participated in a staff ride? If you have, what did you gain from the experience?
How can staff rides heal those involved in an incident and how can they contribute to the growth of the organization?

Additional Information

Friday, April 13, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 2)

"Shackleton’s name lives on as a synonym for courage, bravery and most of all, leadership. Out of his biggest disaster came his greatest victory which enabled the world to understand his true virtues of endurance, optimism, hope, fortitude, fortune and grace." ~ EnduranceRow.com

(Source: Cool Antarctic)

In our second installment of "Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic" presents Sir Ernest Shackleton with a crisis situation: the crew abandons the Endurance when the ship becomes stuck in pack ice. Shackleton refuses to show his crew signs of rage or disappointment. We also get a glimpse of how the importance of team dynamics as one leads during a crisis situation.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic
Part 2 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

Have you been in a situation where your greatness as a leader was needed in the face of a crisis? What leadership traits allowed you to lead during the crisis?
During the crisis, how important is the team member that everyone hates (e.g., Thomas Orde-Lees)?

Additional Information

Friday, April 27, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 4)

"Shackleton’s name lives on as a synonym for courage, bravery and most of all, leadership. Out of his biggest disaster came his greatest victory which enabled the world to understand his true virtues of endurance, optimism, hope, fortitude, fortune and grace." ~ EnduranceRow.com

(Source: Cool Antarctic)

In the fourth installment of "Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic," the crew is forced to abandon ship. Shackleton resigns himself to the fact that the original mission to reach the pole is over. His new mission becomes crew survival.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 4 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

Have you been in a desperate situation that required a leader to give up something important to them for the sake of the crew?
If you had to make a tough call on the fireline between self and crew, could you do it?
Contemplate Shackleton's decision to destroy the negatives so that Hurley was not tempted to rescue them at a later date.

Additional Information

Friday, April 20, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 3)

"Shackleton’s name lives on as a synonym for courage, bravery and most of all, leadership. Out of his biggest disaster came his greatest victory which enabled the world to understand his true virtues of endurance, optimism, hope, fortitude, fortune and grace." ~ EnduranceRow.com

Tom Crean and puppies
Source: Cool Antarctica

Our third installment of "Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic" presents a lesson in respect. Shackleton continues to show leadership during the crisis by building the team. Shackleton places the crew's welfare above his own.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 3 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

Do your subordinates respect your? What do you do to command respect?
Do you put the needs of your subordinates above your own?
Have you had to make tough leadership lessons to build the team? Are you prepared to act forcefully with your crew when needed?
What do you do to build crew morale and unity?

Additional Information

Friday, May 11, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 6)

"Shackleton's greatest characteristic was the ability to compel loyalty even against his men's better judgment." ~ Roland Huntford, polar historian

Part 6 of "Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic," presents what many of the crew said was their most challenging experience of the entire journey. Due to disintegration of the ice, the men set sail in life boats in hope of reaching land. Afloat, the men come near their breaking points. Shackleton's continued determination to keep morale high and Orde-Lees' rising during the crisis to help save lives gave the men hope.

(The crew with life boats: Dudley Docker, James Caird, and Stancomb Wills, Cool Antarctica website)

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 6 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

When moments get tough, what do you do as a leader to keep your crew calm?
Do you have a flame burning deep within you (a passion) for your people and your leadership?
What tools do you have in your leadership toolbox to engage the member of the crew who doesn't want to be a team player?

Additional Information

Friday, May 25, 2012

"By Endurance We Conquer" - Sir Ernest Shackleton (Part 8)

"Shackleton's greatest characteristic was the ability to compel loyalty even against his men's better judgment." ~ Roland Huntford, polar historian

(Artist rendering of the crew aboard the James Caird in heavy seas, Cool Antarctica website)

In Part 8 of "Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic," Shackleton, McNeish, Crean, McCarthy, Vincent, and Worsley set sail on an extraordinary journey of survival in the James Caird.

Click here to preview Endurance--Shackleton & the Antarctic Part 8 of 11

Thoughts to Ponder

Wildland firefighters are often said to have "can do" attitudes. How does this relate to the tenacity of the James Caird crew? Give examples of how tenacity has worked positively on your crew.
Worsley's insight to convert the James Caird into a sailboat was heroic. Have you had a crew member who provided great leadership and innovation during a crisis situation?

Additional Information

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Hazardous Work, Long Hours, and Shared Cultures

Over the last few months, we have seen extraordinary fire behavior to our counterparts up north and a slow start to our normally busy Arizona season which has given me some time to catch up on reading and writing. Which brings me to the focus of this blog—recruitment and retention. Recruitment and retention have been problems for my agency and for everyone around me.

By Endurance We Conquer

Ernest Shackleton and his Antarctic expedition has been a study within the WFLDP since its formation. After 107 years, Shackleton's lost ship "Endurance" was found at the bottom of the Weddell Sea, renewing excitement for the leadership story. I encourage you to learn about (or better yet, share your knowledge of) the expedition.

We have started a list of resources you can use to conduct a case study of the expedition and one of the most powerful stories of resilience on record. We challenge you to share your resources in the comments.

Engaging the Sparks

On February 6, 2012, we put out a challenge to our Facebook followers to increase our likes to 500 prior to the Leadership Subcommittee meeting on April 26. This challenge was the beginning of an effort we call IGNITE the Spark for Leadership intended to bring an awakening of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) and ignite the passion for leadership development within our students of fire. We are happy to report that the initial goal of 500 likes was reached prior to the meeting and another 31 (maybe more when this posts) have joined since.

The IGNITE campaign is much more than a push for Facebook fans. Social media is a way that we can connect and network across all levels within our community. It is a way to build movements and share information. IGNITE is about Y-O-U. The WFLDP is and always has been a grassroots effort. As we have grown and expanded, we may have lost some of the luster that we had when we first rolled out the program. It doesn't have to be that way. With Y-O-U, all things are possible.

Recently, we launched Phase II of the campaign: Engaging the Sparks. Sparks are those of you in the field who want to be part of the awakening of the WFLDP. Here are a few projects that we will embark upon in the coming months: 1) brainstorming ways to redesign and infuse the Professional Reading Program, 2) an FY13 launch of a wildland fire leadership campaign titled "Leading with Courage" with an emphasis on Sir Ernest Shackleton's leadership, and 3) increasing our Facebook likes to 1,000 fans by the beginning of FY13. You, the participants of the program will have a say in where we go and how we will do it. You are and will continue to be the hands and feet of the movement and revitalization of the WFLDP.

Being in the political climate we are in and changing environment where wildland fire seems to thrive reminds me of Sir Ernest Shackleton setting sail with the crew of the Endurance on a great adventure (see our Leaving a Leadership Legacy series on the WFLDP blog). The journey may be hazardous with a few unwinnable situations; there may be long months of complete darkness, little communication from the outside world, and great change and challenge; but, there will great opportunities and success if together we can weather the storm.

Shackleton's advertisement (something like the image above) ignited the passion in over 5,000 men. We would be overjoyed if we could IGNITE the same passion in every firefighter and support person in the wildland fire service, whatever gender, position, etc., the Spark may be.

If you are ready to be a part of something big, like our Facebook page, contact your agency representative, and above all, spread the word about IGNITE like wildfire!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Conflict and the Team

Source: Teacher's College Columbia University

If you are following our Friday "Leaving a Leadership Legacy" series, you know we are showcasing the leadership lessons of Sir Ernest Shackleton--a leader who, although not perfect, rose to the occasion to put the survival of his men above all else during the Endurance expedition to the South Pole.

Throughout the expedition, Shackleton did everything within his power to keep crew morale high and crew members engaged in healthy, day-to-day routines. However, there were members of the crew, including Thomas Orde-Lees, who were unruly and in constant conflict with other team members.

What value is there in conflict?

Healthy Conflict (Taken from Leading in the Wildand Fire Service, page 53)

Leaders create teams that engage in healthy conflict: enabling a dynamic exchange of ideas, the voicing of diverse viewpoints, and, ultimately, innovative solutions.

To enable healthy conflict to flourish, we focus on the what not the who. By concentrating on what should be done or considered instead of who is right, we help team members resolve issues more quickly and keep everyone's focus where it needs to be--on the team and its mission.

Additional Resources

Conflict Can be Good
Effectively Managing Team Conflict by Global Knowledge

Thursday, May 3, 2018

IGNITE: By Endurance We Conquer

[Photo: Gannett Glacier Fire Crew]

“Fortitudine Vincimus”

(by endurance we conquer)

- Ernest Shackleton -

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

"Book on Books" - The New Generation

Students of fire and leadership are well aware of the Wildland Fire Book on Books. The document contained books and publications that provide leadership insight--whether within or outside the wildland fire environment. Since its inception, the document has grown to a size of 100 titles. To some, the list is overwhelming and discouraging in an era of declining readers, not to mention quite a maintenance task for the Professional Reading Program (PRP) stewards.

A couple of years ago, Pam McDonald, PRP steward at the time, convened a group of volunteers who engaged the program and were passionate about reading. These individuals became known as Sparks for PRP Change or SPARKS. The SPARKS quickly came to the realization that change was in order.

From 100 to 25 Titles

The most significant change was rethinking how many books should be included in the list of books. SPARKS made the decision to reduce the number of recommended annual reads to 25. Additionally, the 25 titles would be a hybrid between the original title categories found within the Book on Books and the leader designations found within the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP).

Allen Briggs, U.S. Forest Service Fire Management Officer and SPARK, took a leadership challenge and wrote an article about the new format for Utah Fire and Rescue Academy's magazine Straight Tip (April-June 2014). The SPARKS realize that reading is personal and no list will fit for every student of fire. The intent is to launch the list and collect input.

Entry Leader Suggested Reading

Fire History and Culture - Hellroaring: The Life and Times of a Fire Burn by Peter M. Leschak
Human Factors - The Go Point by Michael Useem
Lessons Learned - Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean
Leadership and Management - You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn
Case Studies - Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

Emerging Leader Suggested Reading

Fire History and Culture - Ghosts of the Fireground by Peter M. Leschak
Human Factors - Isacc's Storm by Erik Larson
Lessons Learned - Fire on the Mountain by John N. Maclean
Leadership and Management - The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell by Oren Harari
Case Studies - Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Primary Leader Suggested Reading

Fire History and Culture - The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan
Human Factors - Friendly Fire by Scott A. Snook
Lessons Learned - Beyond Tranquillon Ridge by Joseph N. Valencia
Leadership and Management - First in, Last Out by John Salka
Case Studies - The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick

Leader of Leaders Suggested Reading

Fire History and Culture - Fireline: The Summer Battles of the West by Michael Thoele
Human Factors - Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking by Malcom Gladwell
Lessons Learned - The Thirty Mile Fire: A Chronicle of Bravery and Betrayal by John N. Maclean
Leadership and Management - The Leadership Moment by Michael Useem
Case Studies - Failure is Not an Option by Gene Kranz

Leader of Organizations Suggested Reading

Fire History and Culture - Tending Fire: Coping with America's Wildland Fires by Stephen Pyne
Human Factors - Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents by James Reason
Lessons Learned - Wildfire and Americans: How to Save Lives, Property and Your Tax Dollars by Roger G. Kennedy
Leadership and Management - Leading Change by John P. Kotter
Case Studies - Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge

Review the list and give the SPARKS feedback.
Select a book(s) and begin reading.
Write a review or start a discussion group in the Fireline Reading Room.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Leaving a Leadership Legacy - Marshall, Answers

General George C. Marshall

We end our tribute to the leadership legacy of General George C. Marshall with George C. Marshall Foundation's "George C. Marshall: Legacy of Leadership: Chapter 7 - Answers."

Through it all, General Marshall held tight to his values and principles. He earned the honor of the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership that embraced candor, selflessness, commitment, integrity and courage.

Wildland Leadership Challenge:
As you reflect upon this "Leaving a Leadership Legacy" series, what leadership lessons did you take away from General Marshall's example?

Mold your leadership legacy today!

Join us next Friday as we begin studying the leadership legacy of Sir Edward Shackleton.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Readers are Leaders - A Look at the San Juan IHC

(Today's post is compliments of San Juan IHC Superintendent Jay Godson. He shares how they utilize the Professional Reading Program to promote leadership.)

Background

Each year during the initial crew refresher, the San Juan Hotshots read and discuss a book generally centered on leadership skills and abilities.

Book Selection

The process of selecting a book is not difficult but requires some thought. The book should appeal to a wide audience and be a relatively short, easy read.

Delivery

Each member on the crew receives and is encouraged to read the book at least a month before the start of the season. During spring training, leaders block out an appropriate amount of time to discuss the book. Depending on the book, crew members generate discussions that are very relevant to wildland firefighting, but all of the discussions generated concern leadership.

Potential Discussion Points

How does the book's theme relate to wildland firefighting?
What leadership trait does the main character display that you like/dislike?
Who helped to resolve the situation? Who did not help?
Why did a certain decision change the course of the book?
When did an action create a point of no return?

The book is what drives the discussion process, so any of the above questions may or may not be relevant. We have read books from the military, personal survival stories, and sports; this years selection will be a Sci-Fi book.

Some years generate very good discussion, others not so much. A lot depends on how well the book appeals to the crew.

This Seasons Book

Enders Game by Scott Orson Card

Previous Selections

One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick - 2011
It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Capt. Michael D. Abrashoff - 2010
'59: The Story of the 1959 Syracuse Football Team - 2009
Corps Business: The 30 Management Principles of the U.S. Marine Corps by David Freeman - 2008
Endurance: Shackleton’s Amazing Voyage by Alfred Lansing - 2007
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer - 2006

Benefit

Since inception, the San Juan Hotshots have found this activity an excellent method of building crew cohesion. Members of the crew come together to discuss a common topic as well as develop leadership skills.

Members of any crew, team, or group--not just IHCs--may find this a great way build cohesion.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Looking Back at 2012

A lot of information has been shared via the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program blog this year. I thought I would share a few of the highlights and accomplishments with our readers. Of significance was the infusion of fire service videos and stories. We are beginning to share our stories and successes--to that this weary blogger is grateful!