Unit 1 01 1 S 230 EP Unit

Unit 1 01 -1 -S 230 -EP

Unit 1 Objectives • Describe the values and principles of operational leadership. • Identify the qualities of good leadership. 01 -2 -S 230 -EP

Leadership Concepts The most essential element of successful wildland firefighting is Competent and Confident Leadership. 01 -3 -S 230 -EP

Competence and Confidence • What does it mean to be a competent and confident leader? • Competent Leaders are FULLY QUALIFIED for, and have sufficient skills to deal with the complexities of their position. • Confident Leaders are EXPERIENCED in decision making, and have trust in their ability to make the correct choices for the situation. 01 -4 -S 230 -EP

Competence and Confidence • Competence and Confidence will both come through TRAINING and EXPERIENCE. • As a leader develops in competence, confidence will follow. 01 -5 -S 230 -EP

Leadership Concepts Leadership means providing purpose, direction and motivation for wildland firefighters working to accomplish difficult tasks under dangerous and stressful circumstances. 01 -6 -S 230 -EP

Exercise • How do YOU provide Purpose? • How do YOU provide Direction? • How do YOU provide Motivation? 01 -7 -S 230 -EP

In confusing and uncertain situations, a good operational leader will: • TAKE CHARGE of assigned resources. • MOTIVATE firefighters with a “can do safely” attitude. 01 -8 -S 230 -EP

In confusing and uncertain situations, a good operational leader will: • DEMONSTRATE INITIATIVE by taking action in the absence of orders. • COMMUNICATE by giving specific instructions and asking for feedback. • SUPERVISE at the scene of action. 01 -9 -S 230 -EP

DUTY 01 -10 -S 230 -EP

Qualities of Good Leadership 01 -11 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must be proficient in your job, both technically and as a leader. • Take charge when in charge. • Adhere to professional standard operating procedures. • Develop a plan to accomplish given objectives. 01 -12 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must make sound and timely decisions. • Maintain situation awareness in order to anticipate needed actions. • Develop contingencies and consider consequences. • Improvise within the leader’s intent to handle a rapidly changing environment. 01 -13 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must ensure the task is understood, supervised and accomplished. • Issue clear instructions. • Observe and assess actions in progress without micro-managing. • Use positive feedback to modify duties, tasks and assignments when appropriate. 01 -14 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must develop your subordinates for the future. • Clearly state expectations. • Delegate those tasks that you are not required to do personally. • Consider individual skill levels and developmental needs when assigning tasks. 01 -15 -S 230 -EP

RESPECT 01 -16 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must know your subordinates and look out for their well-being. • Put the safety of your subordinates above all other objectives. • Take care of your subordinates’ needs. • Resolve conflicts between individuals on the team. 01 -17 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must keep your subordinates informed. • Provide accurate and timely briefings. • Give the reason (intent) for assignments and tasks. • Make yourself available to answer questions at appropriate times. 01 -18 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must build the team. • Conduct frequent debriefings with the team to identify lessons learned. • Recognize individual and team accomplishments and reward them appropriately. • Apply disciplinary measures equally. 01 -19 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must employ your subordinates in accordance with their capabilities. • Observe human behavior as well as fire behavior. • Provide early warning to subordinates of tasks they will be responsible for. • Consider team experience, fatigue, and physical limitations when accepting assignments. 01 -20 -S 230 -EP

INTEGRITY 01 -21 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must know yourself and seek improvement. • Know the strengths and weaknesses in your character and skill level. • Ask questions of peers and superiors. • Actively listen to feedback from subordinates. 01 -22 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must seek responsibility and accept responsibility for your actions. • Accept full responsibility for and correct poor performance. • Credit subordinates for good performance. • Keep your superiors informed of your actions. 01 -23 -S 230 -EP

To be a Good Leader: You must set the example. • Share the hazards and hardships with your subordinates. • Don’t show discouragement when facing setbacks. • Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong. 01 -24 -S 230 -EP

Review Unit 1 Objectives • Describe the values and principles of operational leadership. • Identify the qualities of good leadership. 01 -25 -S 230 -EP