Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Billy Schmidt on September 15, 2009 at 4:44pm

Mike, you're right. Leadership is a challenge. More the reason to talk about it and to keep learning.

Tom Bodett, Motel 6 spokesperson (“We’ll leave the light on for you”) said, “The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” Knowledge (learning) plus skills (training) plus abilities (experience) equals the right mix. It takes the correct amount of all three, and it takes time.

Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on September 20, 2009 at 11:03am

Why do you think we should talk about leadership?

Personally I believe talk is cheap and when it comes to leadership and being a good leader one has to lead by example. As Mike alludes to, there are members who may have taken more classes or been involved more, but that doesn't mean they are better leaders or should be in a leadership role, but on the flip side, there are plenty of people in leadership roles who are ineffective. We see depts out there with leaders who are "elected" into their positions, in which it becomes more of a popularity contest than about leadership. We have systems where someone can be on long enough and gain a leadership role, yet did nothing during their career to better themselves. Meanwhile we have people who come on that are natural leaders, or placed in leadership roles in other careers etc, take for instance someone coming out of the military.

To me, the best leaders are the one's who lead by example. They are the ones right next to the crew helping cleanup after a fire. They are the ones who will seek ways to improve training. They are the ones who gripe up the chain and not in front of the crew. They look for ways to better themselves, they take advantage of new lessons and classes out there and so forth. They are the ones who keep people informed, they dispel rumors quickly, they are effective in managing a day, yet still make mundane tasksa learning expeirence such as doing inspections. They don't have to know it all, butwould be willing to hear different ideas. Yeah it does take time to gain all such qualities, but from personal experience, those who have shown such qualities are more effective leaders than those who talk it.

Permalink Reply by Billy Schmidt on September 23, 2009 at 9:44am

Absolutely. Actions do speak louder than words.

Permalink Reply by Billy Schmidt on September 23, 2009 at 9:49am

Successful leaders encourage open communication that builds a partnership (relationship). They get people to talk and work toward a constructive end. This simple "action" can move mountains.