Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Doing the "Right" Thing

Moral compass
(Photo credit: Inc.com)
Choosing between right and wrong should be easy. Do the right thing. However, have you ever had to choose between two "rights"? This can be really confusing, leave you feeling conflicted and can result in a poor decision or simply indecision. 

I've found the most common right versus right decision involves loyalty versus ethics. But, if you are really honest with yourself and with your evaluation of the situation, you'll usually find that there are not really two "right" decisions. It may be hard to make the call but you know what right should look like. Let your moral compass guide you and do the right thing. – Mark Stanford

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About the Author:
Mark Stanford is the Fire Chief for Texas A&M Forest Service and an agency representative on the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.

Friday, December 27, 2013

IGNITING the Spark for Leadership – A Look at our 2013 Winner

Survival training
(Boulder County Sheriff's Office Special Operations personnel during survival training. Photo credit: BCSO)
"This year-long effort encouraged our organization to take leadership development to the next level and has provided a consistent and cohesive message of followership and leadership through the entire organization.” ~ Jay Stalnacker, Fire Management Officer
Jay Stalnacker, Fire Management Officer for the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), took a risk when he brought his wildland fire team together with other Special Operations personnel from the Boulder County Sheriff’s office. Inspired by the 2013 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign – Leading with Courage, 75 individuals from wildland fire management, SWAT, and search and rescue embarked on an 11-month leadership development effort.

In December 2013, the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee selected BSCO as the winners of the IGNITE the Spark for Leadership – From the Field for the Field Contest. BSCO's innovative approach, incorporation of various components of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program, and sphere of influence is to be commended.

BSCO Fire Management is to be commended for having the courage to create an interdisciplinary approach where leaders and followers shared their skill sets across disciplines.

Leadership Program Summary*
(taken from BCSO’s contest application)

During 2013, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations began a journey of leadership development. Special Operations includes units from Wildland Fire Management, SWAT and Search and Rescue. Most involved are paid full time professional but the group does include numerous volunteer members.

Among many primary law enforcement responsibilities, the Sheriff’s Office in all Colorado counties maintains statutory responsibility for all wildland fire, mountain search and rescue and special law enforcement operations. As the Fire Management Officer (FMO), I encourage our organization to look at the “Leading with Courage” campaign for a guide to develop our internal special operations leadership development program.

Classroom training
(Facilitation of video-based discussion groups on leadership concepts. Photo credit: BCSO)
The program combined numerous leadership principles and was presented in classrooms, in the field and via video facilitated learning. Over the course of 11-months 75 special operations members completed the three part series of leadership development.

In late March of 2013, the first training began in the remote mountains of Colorado. The group snow machined and hiked to cabins at about 12,000’. We began the 36-hour training with an evening facilitated video discussion on followership using the movie “Band of Brothers” as examples of followership principles. Then we broke into small groups, using “Human Synergistics” teambuilding survival simulations (http://bit.ly/1dS4vSs) to demonstrate teambuilding through followership. Lastly, we had a guest speaker discuss values and the effect on teams. The next morning, the small groups worked through a series of survival challenges, competing for the best time.

Survival training
(Wildland firefighters, SWAT and SAR teammates build "emergency shelters" in timed competition. Photo credit: BCSO)
The second training began in June; again, we headed to a remote mountain location. We invited Larimer County SWAT to join our SWAT team and fire management Staff to complete the second leadership developmental training. This 36-hour training was to focus on operational readiness and mission planning.

This training began with a short lecture on how leaders develop goals, objectives and strategy. We then divided into small groups, using STEX principles, we used sand tables and “glass house” simulations to build and develop a plan for a simulated mission that would be part of the next day’s training. The purpose was to demonstrate the advantages of simulations, readiness and ultimately, pre-planning, to ensure for a successful outcome. This was the first time law enforcement was exposed to STEX learning and Fire Staff facilitated the training, sharing wildland fire planning principles with law enforcement. The training concluded with an 8-hour mission, including small team open field navigation, off-highway vehicle training and simulated combat assault of an illegal marijuana grow operation.

Introduction to urban combat
(Wildland firefighters prepare to enter the "live fire" shoot house for an introduction to urban combat. Photo credit: BCSO)
The last 36-hour training was held in October of 2013 at the Fort Carson Army training center. This training focused on leadership problem identification, prioritization and delegation. Using video from the movie “Blackhawk Down,” I facilitated small group discussion of these leadership qualities. The team then headed into the open field environment, competing in a simulated and live fire “combat shooting challenge,” testing their teams ability to prioritize and delegate.

This year-long training combining not only wildland firefighters but also members of other elite special operations groups has not only further developed existing leaders but also enhanced followership throughout our organization. Many single phases of the training have been found so valuable, we have been asked to present this to nonoperational groups such as administrative staff. This year-long effort encouraged our organization to take leadership development to the next level and has provided a consistent and cohesive message of followership and leadership through the entire organization.

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BCSO resources will be available on the WFLDP website at a future date.

We will be sharing with you more about our winner, the runner-up, and other examples of leadership in action in a new feature we call "From the Field for the Field Fridays." We want to showcase our leadership development successes and share ideas and best practices throughout the wildland fire service and beyond.


Boulder County Sheriff's Office logo

Leading with Courage logo


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

2014 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign - The Resilient Team

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) proudly announces the theme for the 2014 wildland fire leadership campaign: "The Resilient Team."

"The ultimate team result is resilience: teams that can bounce back when problems or errors threaten cohesion and synergy." (Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 55)

This year’s campaign is dedicated to the memory of the 14 firefighters who lost their lives on the South Canyon fire on July 6, 1994, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This tragedy was one of the pivotal factors behind the creation of the WFLDP.

“May we all be energized and inspired to be ever aware of the lessons learned
 from their sacrifice.” (South Canyon Fire Investigation, August, 1994)

Kathi Beck
Tami Bickett
Scott Blecha
Levi Brinkley
Robert Browning
Doug Dunbar
Terri Hagen
Bonnie Holtby
Rob Johnson
Jon Kelso
Don Mackey
Roger Roth
James Thrash
Richard Tyler

CAMPAIGN SPECIFICS:

Task: Provide an opportunity for wildland fire service personnel to focus leadership development activities on a nationally-sponsored, centrally-themed leadership campaign and recognize local leadership participation efforts.

Purpose: 
  • To foster a cohesive effort to promote leadership across the wildland fire service.
  • To provide a template that can be used to encourage leadership development at the local level.
  • To provide a mechanism to collect leadership best practices and share throughout the wildland fire service.
End State: Creation of a wildland fire service culture that willingly shares leadership best practices in order to maintain superior service-wide leadership.

Dates of Campaign: Between January 1 and November 30, 2014

Length of Campaign: Determined locally to meet the goals and the objectives of the local unit or crew.

Audience: The campaign is not limited to wildland firefighters. All members of the wildland fire service are invited to participate.

Implementation: Wildland fire leaders and/or managers at the local unit or crew level devote time between January 1 and November 30, 2014, to promote leadership development specifically targeted at “The Resilient Team.”

The campaign is flexible. Local units or crews may use or adapt any or all materials contained within this document or develop a program or activity spotlighting the campaign theme and the Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles. Campaign coordinators are encouraged to think outside the confines of the template and develop a program that meets local and individual needs.

IGNITE THE SPARK FOR LEADERSHIP - FROM THE FIELD FOR THE FIELD CONTEST:

See the WFLDP website for contest information.

CAMPAIGN CONTACT:

Pam McDonald
Writer/Editor, BLM Fire Training Unit, NIFC
Logistics and Social Media Coordinator, NWCG Leadership Subcommittee
3833 South Development Avenue
Boise, ID 83705
(208) 387-5318 – office
(208) 387-5378 – fax

Happy Holidays


Friday, December 20, 2013

LAST CALL: 2013 Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Boots
Know any firefighters who are good mentors? Provide motivation or vision? Initiate or innovate? Now's the time for recognition by nominating them for the Lead by Example Award! (LBE Award nomination form)

The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award is presented by the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee to remember Paul Gleason's many contributions to the wildland fire community and recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership...those who lead by example. This national recognition will acknowledge those in the wildland fire service who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles.

Nominations will be accepted in three categories:

Mentoring and Teamwork: This award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding effort or accomplishment related to the wildland fire leadership principles of developing others for the future and building the team.

Motivation and Vision: This award recognizes an individual or group for providing inspired vision and clear intent. This could be demonstrated by influencing others to achieve an exceptionally difficult mission or improve the organization.

Initiative and Innovation: This award recognizes an individual or group for executing an outstanding initiative or innovation related to the implementation of the wildland fire leadership development program.

Evaluation of nominees will be based on the following criteria: Demonstration of significant accomplishment in the stated category; alignment with the wildland fire leadership values and principles; and the scope of the accomplishment, considering available resources. Evaluations will be accomplished through a five-member cadre that represent a cross-section of the wildland fire service.

Nominations must be received by December 31st. Selections will be made by January 31st. Awards will be presented in the spring. Presentations will be made by a Leadership Subcommittee representative at an appropriate venue for each recipient.

The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award program will:
  • Recognize actions associated with wildland fire; 
  • Recognize actions within the last two years; 
  • Recognize individuals or groups at all levels; and 
  • Promote the wildland fire leadership values and principles.

Monday, December 16, 2013

"From the Field for the Field" Contest Winner Announced

IGNITE  the Spark for Leadership "From the Field for the Field"

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program announces the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Special Operations as recipient of the “From the Field for the Field” contest. The contest complements the 2013 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign – Leading with Courage. Honorable mention goes out to the Minidoka Ranger District - Sawtooth National Forest.

Boulder County Sheriff's Office logo


A Glimpse at our Winner
Early in 2013, Jay Stalnacker, BCSO Fire Management Officer, challenged his organization to use the ‘Leading with Courage’ campaign as “a guide to develop our internal special operations leadership development program.” Over an 11-month period, 75 special operations members from fire management, SWAT, and search and rescue completed a 3-part leadership development program. This interdisciplinary team experience “provided a consistent and cohesive message of followership and leadership through the entire organization.”


Eyes forward

Looking Forward
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing with you leadership nuggets and best practices from both groups. In January, we’ll kick off the 2014 campaign: The Resilient Team.


Congratulations, BCSO Special Operations and Minidoka Ranger District, on a job well-done!

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BCSO maintains statutory responsibility for all wildland fire, mountain search and rescue, and special operations.

2013 Leading with Courage campaign logo

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

How Far Would You Go to Do the Right Thing?

Vice Admiral James Stockdale collage
(Photo credit: US Naval Academy)
"The ultimate purpose of the wildland fire service is to protect life, property, and natural resources while engaging the forces of nature. Most of us made a commitment to serve our communities, our states, or our nation. We willingly accepted this unique obligation to place ourselves at risk and to put the interests of others before our own."
 ~ Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 5 ~

As stated above, being a leader means placing ourselves at risk and putting the interest of others before our own. One of the most inspirational and courageous shows of personal sacrifice is that of naval officer James Stockdale. One of the most highly decorated officers in the history of the U.S. Navy, Stockdale was the highest-ranking officer held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. His example of moral courage during his imprisonment earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. (Wikipedia)

The YouTube video Moral Courage: An Evening in Honor Vice Admiral Stockdale (a multi-part video) features the Stockdale story. Few individuals would risk self harm to do the right thing to resist interrogation and sabotage Vietnamese propaganda efforts. His leadership to develop a prison underground and establish of a code of conduct for fellow prisoners undoubtedly eased the torture of fellow prisoners.





Do you have the moral courage to do the right thing?

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References:



Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Leading by Example Award - Time is Running Out!

(Paul Gleason conducting a crew briefing)
Know any firefighters who are good mentors? Provide motivation or vision? Initiate or innovate? Now's the time for recognition by nominating them for the Lead by Example Award! (LBE Award nomination form)

The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award is presented by the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee to remember Paul Gleason's many contributions to the wildland fire community and recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership...those who lead by example. This national recognition will acknowledge those in the wildland fire service who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles.

Nominations will be accepted in three categories:

Mentoring and Teamwork: This award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding effort or accomplishment related to the wildland fire leadership principles of developing others for the future and building the team.

Motivation and Vision: This award recognizes an individual or group for providing inspired vision and clear intent. This could be demonstrated by influencing others to achieve an exceptionally difficult mission or improve the organization.

Initiative and Innovation: This award recognizes an individual or group for executing an outstanding initiative or innovation related to the implementation of the wildland fire leadership development program.

Evaluation of nominees will be based on the following criteria: Demonstration of significant accomplishment in the stated category; alignment with the wildland fire leadership values and principles; and the scope of the accomplishment, considering available resources. Evaluations will be accomplished through a five-member cadre that represent a cross-section of the wildland fire service.

Nominations must be received by December 31st. Selections will be made by January 31st. Awards will be presented in the spring. Presentations will be made by a Leadership Subcommittee member at an appropriate venue for each recipient.

The Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award program will:
  • Recognize actions associated with wildland fire;
  • Recognize actions within the last two years;
  • Recognize individuals or groups at all levels;
  • Promote the wildland fire leadership values and principles.

Email form as an attachment to:  BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov
            OR
Mail this form to:

BLM Training Unit
Attn: Pam McDonald
3833 S. Development Ave.
Boise, ID 83705