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Unit 1

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Unit 1 Objectives

• Describe the values and principles of operational leadership.

• Identify the qualities of good leadership.

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Leadership Concepts The most essential element of successful wildland firefighting

is Competent and Confident Leadership.

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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.

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Competence and Confidence

• Competence and Confidence will both come through TRAINING and EXPERIENCE.

• As a leader develops in competence, confidence will follow.

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Leadership Concepts

Leadership means providing

purpose, direction and motivation

for wildland firefighters working

to accomplish difficult tasks

under dangerous and

stressful circumstances.

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Exercise

• How do YOU provide Purpose?

• How do YOU provide Direction?

• How do YOU provide Motivation?

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In confusing and uncertain situations, a good

operational leader will:

In confusing and uncertain situations, a good

operational leader will:

• TAKE CHARGE of assigned resources.

• MOTIVATE firefighters with a “can do safely” attitude.

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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.

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DUTY

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Qualities of Good Leadership

Qualities of Good Leadership

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To be a Good Leader:

• Take charge when in charge.

• Adhere to professional standard operating procedures.

• Develop a plan to accomplish given objectives.

You must be proficient in your job, both technically and as a leader.

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To be a Good Leader:

• 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.

You must make sound and timely decisions.

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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.

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• Clearly state expectations.

• Delegate those tasks that you are not required to do personally.

• Consider individual skill levels and developmental needs when assigning tasks.

To be a Good Leader:You must develop your subordinates

for the future.

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RESPECT

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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.

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• Provide accurate and timely briefings.

• Give the reason (intent) for assignments and tasks.

• Make yourself available to answer questions at appropriate times.

To be a Good Leader:You must keep your subordinates

informed.

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• Conduct frequent debriefings with the team to identify lessons learned.

• Recognize individual and team accomplishments and reward them appropriately.

• Apply disciplinary measures equally.

To be a Good Leader:You must build the team.

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• 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.

To be a Good Leader:You must employ your subordinates in accordance with their capabilities.

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INTEGRITY

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• Know the strengths and weaknesses in your character and skill level.

• Ask questions of peers and superiors.

• Actively listen to feedback from subordinates.

To be a Good Leader:To be a Good Leader:You must know yourself and seek

improvement.You must know yourself and seek

improvement.

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• Accept full responsibility for and correct poor performance.

• Credit subordinates for good performance.

• Keep your superiors informed of your actions.

To be a Good Leader:

You must seek responsibility and accept responsibility for your actions.

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• Share the hazards and hardships with your subordinates.

• Don’t show discouragement when facing setbacks.

• Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong.

To be a Good Leader:To be a Good Leader:You must set the example.You must set the example.

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Review Unit 1 Objectives

• Describe the values and principles of operational leadership.

• Identify the qualities of good leadership.

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