The challenge for you to focus on learning remains. Be curious. Create and leverage learning opportunities. Be an active participant in dialogue, seeking understanding and perspectives. It takes work. It takes commitment.
Two More Chains Articles
Opening a Space for Dialogue that has Never Closed
Knowing the kind of firefighter and leader I was at that time, and who I strive to be now, what I believe most strongly is that I struggled, and still struggle, to initiate and sustain dialogue.
Perfecting the Art of Leadership and Learning
“What I couldn't change as a hotshot superintendent, I tried to influence as an FMO. And then, when I reached the limits of an FMO, I knew that I had to think bigger and about where I could have more influence. So, I went to WFAP with 450 students a year. I could directly influence future generations of leaders, managers, and FMOs . . .”
A Fire Manager with a Unique Perspective on Dispatch
I believe Dispatchers are critical to the success of the fire management organization,” Jeff says. “And yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. Out of sight; out of mind.
‘Human Topography’ – A Concept We Can All Learn From
It is the nature of our job that we are thrown into high-risk operations with strangers. We have to quickly develop trust (or not), evaluate risk, and depend at least partly on strangers for our safety, which makes ours a strange and unique occupation.
HOW are You Teaching and Learning?
As you engage with your fellow firefighters and share observations and judgements it’s possible you’re teaching as much as you’re learning.
Know the System – Be Able to Articulate the Formal and Informal Learning System Around You
What is the learning system like on your module, crew, or home unit? How does it work? Do you dedicate specific time to learning or do you have a more opportunistic approach—capitalizing on learning moments as they present themselves?
Allow for Improvement
A deep commitment to learning asks us all to get comfortable letting go of a rigid or fixed mindset and coming into situations with true inquisitiveness.
Insights on Learning from the Redding Hotshot Crew Superintendent
The culmination of our crew’s training is the South Canyon Staff Ride. That’s where a lot of tremendous lessons are learned up on that hill during this Staff Ride experience.
Promoting a Prescribed Fire Workforce
It’s clear that our firefighters are spending more and more time away from their home units, engaged in difficult and extended fire assignments, and have very little time to also be responsible for implementing the needed prescribed fires back home . . . Every reason for not burning can be overcome when you have a workforce who is dedicated to getting it accomplished. This isn’t magic. It’s how all work gets done. You make it the priority duty for that work team or group of employees . . . In this way, we can start to reduce the risk to our future workforce.