Monday, April 30, 2012

Doty Recognized for Leadership

(Chris Wilcox presenting award to Tony Doty)
Congratulations to Tony Doty for being one of four individuals selected for the 2011 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

Tony Doty
Preparedness and Response Division, Office of Emergency Management formerly of Alaska Fire Service, BLM

Leadership Citation for Motivation and Vision:
Tony’s contribution to wildland firefighter development through training and mentoring is commendable. Over the years, he has provided exemplary leadership as a mentor and training specialist to countless firefighters and incident management teams. As Chief of the Alaska Fire Service’s Branch of Fire Training, Tony ensured students had the necessary facilities and training needed to grow in their careers as firefighters, managers, and future leaders within and outside the wildland fire service. Of special recognition are his efforts to provide a field version of the S-420 course, hosting Alaska’s first L 480 course, and contributions to the Incident Management Organization Succession Planning Team. Tony’s leadership truly embodies the Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

Quotes from the Nomination:
  • "During his years as Fire Specialist Section Supervisor, he produced some of the best future leaders by offering them plenty of opportunities and challenging fire assignments that allowed them to grow and gain confidence in themselves."
  • "He is very good at finding each firefighter's strengths and building on them."
Other Projects and Accomplishments: 
  • Wildland firefighter since 1979: hotshot, engines, helitack, Fire Suppression Specialist, Fire Training Coordinator, Fire Operations duty Officer, Fire Specialist Chief, and Fire Training Chief.
  • Member of the Incident Management Organization Succession Planning Team.
  • Member of the Advanced Incident Management and Area Command Steering Committee from 2003 to 2011.
  • Participated in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), and the US Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS) Program conducting ICS and disaster management training to build response capacity in various countries of Asia.
  • Member of the NWCG National Response Framework (NFR)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) Committee.
  • Member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) NIMS Incident Management Support Team (IMST).

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. 


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

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mirror, Mirror...

Executive Order 12674: The Foundation for Ethical Behavior - "To ensure public confidence in the integrity of the Federal Government, Executive Order 12674 (as amended) forms the framework for the ethical behavior required and expected of all Federal employees."
News stories abound about huge missteps in leadership and unethical behavior by government employees: the GSA and Secret Service scandals and various other examples of misuse of public funds. Can you look at yourself and your organization in the mirror and say that you and those under your command could withstand an ethical review?

The remainder of this blog will address how culture may contribute to leadership failures, what Leading in the Wildland Fire Service has to say about accountability and ethics, and how can leaders avoid a fall from grace.

The Cultural Norm
Jena McGregor's inference from statements by Congressman Darrell Issa in The Washington Post article "Secret Service Scandal: An Indication of Broader Organization Problems?" is that "events like this are often the result of a pattern of behavior that is symptomatic of broader organizational problems." She refers to a loosening of standards that gives way to a circumstance that becomes a cultural norm within an organization--a when-in-Rome-do-as-the-Romans-do sort of mentality.

Leading in the Wildland Fire Service
Setting and Achieving Standards (page 40)
Leaders set standards as a means of clearly stating the leader's expectations as well as those of the organization. Standards define acceptable performance, and holding people accountable is contingent on clearly defined standards.

Fire leaders step up to the responsibility of establishing reasonable standards, and providing the resources necessary to achieve the standard. With standards in place, leaders help people develop technical and personal competency, enabling them to grow as individuals.

Peer Accountability (page 54)
Leaders create teams in which team members hold each other accountable. More than any system of reward and discipline, more than any policy, the fear of letting down respected teammates and peers represents the most effective means of accountability.

Peer accountability is an outgrowth of trust and commitment. We set the example by demonstrating that team members can hold us accountable, encouraging them to give use feedback on our own performance in meeting stated goals.

Moral Courage (page 63)
Wildland fire leaders demonstrate moral courage by adhering to high ethical standards and choosing the difficult right over the easy wrong. We avoid ethical dilemmas by directing team members to operate in ways that are consistent with our professional standards and by directing them only to actions they can achieve ethically.

When we make mistakes, we handle them in honorable and effective ways, fixing the immediate problem then searching for root causes. Leaders with moral courage look for causes, not scapegoats, learning and improving, looking for ways to turn weaknesses into strengths.

An outgrowth of strong character, moral courage enables us to build trust with our teams and gain respect from peers. Although some may judge that leading ethically compromises short-term gains, leading ethically allows us to accomplish more than our mission.

Because the consequences of ethical decisions can be great and those who make such decisions may be asked later to justify their conclusion, following a careful and thorough process is a wise approach in situations with ambiguous courses of action. The values of duty, respect, and integrity should weigh heavily in any ethical decision.

Leadership: Avoiding a Fall from Grace
Check out this interview with Dr. Joyce Russell, Director of the Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Program at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.


Leadership Challenge
  • Evaluate yourself as an ethical leader. Are you walking the talk and acting appropriately?
  • Evaluate your organization's cultural roots. Are you leading an ethical organization? Are people accountable for their actions and abiding by the standards?
  • Foster the concept of peer accountability within your team and for yourself.

    Monday, April 23, 2012

    Dotson Recognized for Leadership


    Chad Fisher and Britt Rosso presenting Travis with his honor
    Congratulations to Travis Dotson for being one of four individuals selected for the 2011 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

    Travis Dotson
    Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, NPS

    Leadership Citation for Motivation and Vision:
    Throughout a career as a hotshot and smokejumper as well as working at the Fire Use Training Academy (FUTA) and Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, Travis developed incredible expertise and leadership skills bridging the gap between technical and practical. His high level of integrity has earned respect from colleagues as well as leaving lasting impressions on others with his humble attitude. Recent notable accomplishments include development of the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) Dutch Creek Response Protocol insert, involvement with the YouTube video “We Will Never Forget You: Remembering Andy Palmer,” continued involvement in Facilitated Learning Analysis and Lessons Learned Review opportunities, and development of mentoring and student goal tracking programs related to FUTA. These accomplishments demonstrate a great example and show true commitment to duty in the wildland fire service.**

    Quotes from the Nomination:
    • "There is not a single accomplishment that sets Travis aside; it would be the accumulation of several accomplishments that set him apart from the rest."
    • "Travis is always the first person I call when looking for someone with leadership abilities to lead an FLA or Lessons Learned Review because I respect his opinion, have trust in his abilities and think he has some of the finest integrity of any person I have known in the wildland fire community."
    • "Having worked in wildland fire management now for close to 25 years, I would still follow Travis into a wildfire with full trust and respect for his abilities and leadership..."
    • "Travis 'leads by example' in everything he does in both his personal and professional life. Travis would never ask anyone to do something that he would not be the first to do himself..."
    • "One of the most valuable things that Travis continues to bring forward is the essence of "mentoring."
    • "Travis is never afraid to speak up and be candid but has a very diplomatic demeanor when doing so."
    Other Projects and Accomplishments: 
    • Developed Peer Leadership Awards at FUTA
    • “Special Award” from USFS R-3:  “In recognition of commitment and leadership in coordinating and delivering training in Southwest Area”
    • Performed as Cerro Grande and Dude Staff Rides Group Leader
    • Assisted in developing Two More Chains (author “Ground Truths”)

    Leadership Subcommittee Projects:
    • STEX Development Workshop Team Member
    • L-180/280 Update Team Member
    • Dude Fire Staff Ride Development Team Member
    • Self-Development Webpage Update Project Lead
    • 2011 “How to Build a Leader” Annual Fireline Safety Refresher video Project Lead
    • TDGS Update Project Lead
    **Correction: An error was included in Travis' original leadership citation. Travis has never served on the FireFit Committee. Our apologies for the misprint.

    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

    Wednesday, April 18, 2012

    Revisiting Self-Development and IDPs


    Two years ago, the self-development tool located in the Leadership Toolbox was revised. This tool is one of the most visited pages in the ToolboxThis tool can be used by anyone for their personal self development or to augment (not replace) agency IDPs. The intent is to provide wildland fire service employees the opportunity to quickly download self-development plan resources that are easy to understand and implement.


    Things that you can do with your crew:
    • Review the development goals presented on the website. Have your crew members complete the self-development plan worksheet for the appropriate leadership level.
    Reminder: This tool can be used by anyone for their personal self development or to augment (not replace) agency IDPs. The intent is to provide wildland fire service employees the opportunity to quickly download self-development plan resources that are easy to understand and implement.
    Reminder: This tool can be used by anyone for their personal self development or to augment (not replace) agency IDPs. The intent is to provide wildland fire service employees the opportunity to quickly download self-development plan resources that are easy to understand and implement.

    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

    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

    Wednesday, April 11, 2012

    And the Winners Are...



    Boise, Idaho – Four individuals from the wildland fire service were chosen to receive the ninth national Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award. The recipients were selected for demonstrating valued leadership traits during or in support of wildland fire operations.

    The annual award was created to honor Paul Gleason, a wildland firefighter whose career spanned several decades before he succumbed to cancer in 2003. Gleason is best known for developing the LCES (Lookout, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) concept that became the foundation of wildland firefighter safety. Throughout his career, Gleason led and mentored firefighters, studied and taught wildland fire, and worked to improve firefighter safety. The awards highlight Gleason’s influence on and contribution to wildland fire management, while honoring those who demonstrate the spirit of leadership for which he was known.

    The award is sponsored by the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Subcommittee under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, an interagency, intergovernmental group that works to improve policy, standards, and safety in wildland and prescribed fire management. The Lead by Example Award is based on three categories: motivation and vision; mentoring and teamwork; and innovation or initiative. Individuals and groups from federal, state, local and tribal agencies are eligible for the award.

    Award Recipients for 2011
    Motivation and Vision
    Travis Dotson
    Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, NPS

    Throughout a career as a hotshot and smokejumper as well as working at the Fire Use Training Academy (FUTA) and Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, Travis developed incredible expertise and leadership skills bridging the gap between technical and practical. His high level of integrity has earned respect from colleagues as well as leaving lasting impressions on others with his humble attitude. Recent notable accomplishments include development of the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) Dutch Creek Response Protocol insert, involvement with the YouTube video “We Will Never Forget You: Remembering Andy Palmer,” NWCG Committee Chairman of the FireFit Program, continued involvement in Facilitated Learning Analysis and Lessons Learned Review opportunities, and development of mentoring and student goal tracking programs related to FUTA. These accomplishments demonstrate a great example and show true commitment to duty in the wildland fire service.

    Mentoring and Teamwork
    Tony Doty
    Preparedness and Response Division, Office of Emergency Management

    Tony’s contribution to wildland firefighter development through training and mentoring is commendable. Over the years, he has provided exemplary leadership as a mentor and training specialist to countless firefighters and incident management teams. As Chief of the Alaska Fire Service’s Branch of Fire Training, Tony ensured students had the necessary facilities and training needed to grow in their careers as firefighters, managers, and future leaders within and outside the wildland fire service. Of special recognition are his efforts to provide a field version of the S-420 course, hosting Alaska’s first L 480 course, and contributions to the Incident Management Organization Succession Planning Team. Tony’s leadership truly embodies the Paul Gleason Lead by Example award.

    Mentoring and Teamwork
    Patrick Lookabaugh
    Whiskeytown Wildland Fire Management, NPS

    Throughout Patrick’s career, he has risen to the challenge of mentoring numerous firefighters and building cohesive, adaptable and highly motivated teams. The depth and experience his teams exhibited is a direct reflection of the leadership values he continually communicated and demonstrated. As a leader, Patrick ensures mentoring opportunities are available to those within his organization as well as allowing fire professionals from other agencies to learn by example through detail opportunities within his module. Additionally, Patrick contributed training and development to the wildland fire workforce as an instructor at Shasta College and the Northern California Training Center. These learning and mentoring moments are recognized at the local, regional and national levels. Whiskeytown Fire Management Module’s consistently strong reputation throughout the wildland community is a testament to Patrick’s commitment to developing wildland fire leaders.

    Initiative and Innovation
    Ralph Thomas
    Fort Apache Agency, BIA

    Ralph has been instrumental in the development and growth of the BIA’s National Fire Mentoring Program. The program connects upcoming fire leaders with mentors to conduct field-oriented prescribed fire and suppression training. Ralph served as a mentor, field coordinator and role model in the BIA and tribal programs. He organically exhibited many of the leadership principles and values espoused by the leadership program. His quiet confidence is a catalyst to the mentees, providing an atmosphere which encourages time-compressed decision making, rapid team building, tactical skills and leadership development with a diverse mixture of firefighters from around the country in a dynamic environment. Even with advances in modeling programs and decision support tools used to translate data, knowledge and experience to make decisions with fire on the landscape is a crucial part of wildland fire service. The scope of Ralph’s mentoring will be felt for years to come as he continues to train others to conduct themselves with respect, professionalism, and leadership as students of fire.

    Leadership Lessons from Popeye

    I thought I would go "retro" today and liven things up with a few leadership lessons from Popeye. Enjoy the video.

     

    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. 

    Wednesday, April 4, 2012

    A Voice Out of History

    If you are like me, you are becoming disheartened with many of the media topics of 2012: presidential elections; tightening of budgets, including reductions of contract air tankers, fewer firefighters and equipment, and reorganization; as well as all the hype around doomsday. I came across a very enlightening video on Leading Blog that warmed my heart and gives me hope in this time of uncertainty.
     

    As the wildland fire service looks at ways of living within our present financial and political environments, may fire leaders remember to "keep calm and carry on." We have a job to do and focus on the mission is critical.

    Monday, April 2, 2012

    Transforming the Lone Nut into a Leader

    In January 2002, the NWCG Leadership Committee/Subcommittee (LSC) was formed with the following mission: "To promote cultural change in the work force and to emphasize the vial importance of leadership concepts in the wildland fire service by providing educational and leadership development opportunities."

    The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) began as a vision of a few senior firefighters tasked with bringing about cultural change within the wildland fire service. This grassroots campaign fueled in and by the field has exploded into a set of service-wide values and principles, a formal leadership curriculum, and a toolbox full of resources and programs that are recognized and used around the world.

    After 10 years, it is time to refresh the program. Recently, the LSC launched a campaign called IGNITE the Spark for Leadership. The effort focuses on using new ideas and social media to build the students of fire foundation and expand our methods of communication with the field. Some of the initiatives include:

    • Redesign of the WFLDP website
    • Fan drive on our WFLDP Facebook (goal of at least 500 "likes" by April 24, 2012) 
    • Development of an annual Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge 
    • Development of mobile applications for toolbox items
    Every movement needs a leader and followers to keep the movement going. The foundation of the movement has begun; some have joined in while others continue to sit back and watch. The WFLDP is, and will always be, fueled by the field. We need that fuel now as we move forth and connect to a new generation firefighter as well as provide better communication with all wildland firefighters--especially those with seasonal and temporary status. 

    The following video shows how one "lone nut" became the leader of a huge movement. Are you willing to help a few LSC nuts IGNITE the Spark for Leadership?



    (Thanks to Chris Schow for posting on Facebook that this video was on TED!)