The following article was published in the January issue of FireRescue magazine.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER
By Chief Jeffrey D. Johnson, EFO, CFO, MIFireE

What Would Reub Do?
Stories from cattle-driving cowboy teach valuable lessons about leading thousands

The elements of successful leadership have long been studied. Lessons can be learned from books, sports, good (and bad) supervisors, parents and church. I also believe there are lessons to be learned from other sources—like cattle drives. In fact, when the going gets tough, I sometimes ask myself, “What would Reub do?”

Reub Long was a famous Oregon character—a true cowboy who made a name for himself from a most unlikely place: Fort Rock, Ore. (population < 50). His book, “The Oregon Desert,” rests on a shelf in my office, the pages tattered and dog-eared from the many times I’ve read and re-read his stories of life in the high desert. One of my most favorite Reub stories is his account of the immense cattle drives of his youth. Although driving cattle is a far cry from commanding a fire department, I believe that certain parallels exist and we can all learn a thing or two from Reub. Following is my editorial take on his story and how best to lead thousands in the same direction:

Cattle drives of any size will self-divide into three distinct parts: the lead, the herd and the drag. The lead is the strongest and most motivated cattle. These same cattle emerge each and every day. The herd is the majority of cattle on the drive. They follow the lead and require little attention. The drag is roughly the last 10 percent of the total cattle drive. The drag can’t be led; they must be pushed.

Place your best cowboy with the lead so as to control their speed. Be sure when traveling over a ridge to slow the lead because if the lead gets out of view of the herd, the herd will divide into smaller herds. Place a few cowboys on each side of the herd for pacing and control. Place the majority of your cowboys on the drag, as this is where the strays, stragglers and escape artists are assembled.

Whether we’re wearing a Stetson or a fire helmet, riding a horse or in a command vehicle, we all need effective leaders ready to lead, control and even push when needed. Each leader must know their job, pull their weight and keep driving everyone forward if we ever hope to arrive at a common designation. At my home department, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, I created the following “Bugle Rules” so my leaders know my expectations of how to work together.

Fire Chief/Assistant Chief: Establish direction, gain commitment and motivate. Have a vision and be concerned with the well-being of the entire organization. Constantly scan the horizon for opportunities and threats. Have exceptional character and integrity both on- and off-duty. Be even-tempered and fair, and listen more than you talk. Be willing to step forward and take the bullets, yet quick to step back and give praise to those who do the work.

Division/Battalion Chief: Know and support the chief’s vision. Ensure programs are contributing to the safety and efficiency of the operation. Constantly monitor the culture of the organization to ensure that it’s healthy. Communicate the big picture to officers and have open dialogue at stations regarding priorities and direction of the department.

Company Officer: Support the chief’s vision for the department. Ensure the safety of the crew and the public, so when the bell rings, the people, tools, equipment and training are in place to resolve any problem. Enforce the rules and bring disagreements about the rules up the chain-of-command for resolution. Bring credit to the department and profession through performance and image.

As you face challenges in the coming year, know that what will be remembered more than actual decisions is the journey and how we worked together to arrive. Your credibility will be built or destroyed by the decision-making process you used on the trail.

Chief Jeff Johnson began his career as a firefighter in 1978, and he has served as fire chief of Tualatin Valley (Ore.) Fire & Rescue since 1995. He is past president of the IAFC Western Division and Oregon Fire Chiefs Association. He is a member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and has been active in many IAFC sections, including Fire & Life Safety, Volunteer & Combination Officers, EMS, and Safety, Health and Survival. Chief Johnson is a National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer graduate and has received his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Designation.