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Character. Is it necessary for Leadership?
Recently, Fire Chief Magazine announced their Fire Chief of the Year Award. Receiving the award was Chief Randy Brugman of the Fresno (Calif) Fire Department and Chief James Seavey of the John Park (Md) Fire Department. Congratulations to Chiefs Brugman and Seavey.
http://firechief.com/fcoy/
Chief Brugman was described as a “good example,” a chief who “knows that a true test of a leader is not what he does, but how he does it.” Chief Seavey is portrayed as “the listening artist,” because he “takes the time to discuss personal needs” with his firefighters. These are two very important characters of leadership: setting a good example and listening.
The right character in leadership can engender trust in people, creating the right relationship to get results. The most important character we must be concerned with is our own, because it influences our leadership, and our own careers.
What role do you think character plays in getting results as leaders? What role does character play in our own careers?
http://firechief.com/fcoy/
Chief Brugman was described as a “good example,” a chief who “knows that a true test of a leader is not what he does, but how he does it.” Chief Seavey is portrayed as “the listening artist,” because he “takes the time to discuss personal needs” with his firefighters. These are two very important characters of leadership: setting a good example and listening.
The right character in leadership can engender trust in people, creating the right relationship to get results. The most important character we must be concerned with is our own, because it influences our leadership, and our own careers.
What role do you think character plays in getting results as leaders? What role does character play in our own careers?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Chris Tomlinson on
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Character is critical in any leadership role no matter the industry, in my opinion. Personally I don't want my leadership to try and be my friend all the time, but on the same token I don't want them to be a dictator and I think that's where a good leader balances those two elements and a bad leader focuses too much on one or the other.
There are also other elements of "character" such as morals, ethics and even the little peculiarities of a person.
Those who have one these awards have obviously found a good balance of all of these traits and honestly I believe many are born with this ability - not taught.
~Chris
Fire Department Web Design -
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Permalink Reply by Billy Schmidt on
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I would say that much of character comes from the heart. It's what's inside.
-Billy -
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Permalink Reply by Ron King (Fire Chief) on
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Billy, Character is everything. As I was always told when you are talking you are not listening. You need to hear your people Its not a one person show! A team works together. A good team makes thier leader look good. I feel you need to listen to all of your members. then move out. Be sure that the brain is in gear before starting the mouth.
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