The Secret of Leadership

1. The Secret of Leadership It’s Basic Stuff … Brian A. Crawford, Fire Chief Plano Fire-Rescue

2. What is leadership?

3. Leadership is a set of inherent and learned disciplined principles that, believe it or not, most people possess at some level and simply boil down to: • Having the courage to do the right thing • Doing it early and often • Being able to recognize those critical situations where it is needed and then taking action.

4. Serve your people

5. 5 basic function • Leadership • Management (day-to-day) • Equipment • Facilities • Training and education

6. Love what you do and give it your all

7. Courage (i.e., guts)

8. Common sense and intuition

9. Level of expectation

10. next slide Accountability

11. Look, its not rocket science. If you want to always be the nice guy, you cannot hold a position of leadership and be everyone’s friend, make everyone happy and be Mr. Popular. It just doesn’t work.

12. Confront

13. Discipline

14. Never be satisfied

15. PLANO FIRE-RESCUE VISION STATEMENT “Our very best starts today, together, and never ends in building the greatest life and property saving fire service in the country”

16. Inclusive/empowering management

17. Decision making and 360° Size-up

18. Decision Making Tree Citizens Department Divisions Groups Individual(s) Self

19. Listen Shut up and

20. Physical Condition

21. Leadership as a lifestyle

22. Why do people fail at leadership?

23. Those who fail in leadership roles do so most often, not because they didn’t know the right thing to do but: • Lacked courage and so looked the other way • Did too little too late • Made an alternative decision that was easier for them but to the demise of the organization

24. Getting there … • Pushing • Getting the most of every member • Provide an atmosphere where excellence is rewarded/peer-driven • Mission and vision fall in-line with personal goals and aspirations

25. End Game • “We believe” mentality • Highly motivated • Highly disciplined • Highly skilled • Change oriented • Personnel want to perform at highest level, not because you want them to but because they want to

26. Officer Absolutes

27. 12 Officer Absolutes • Never forget why we’re here and service over self. • Never fail to lead — or someone else will. • Be firm but fair and treat all with dignity, respect, and with a level of importance that will surprise them. • Understand that you cannot do it all nor can you please everyone. • Don’t rush to judgment. Patience is the sign of a true leader. Thoroughly look at all issues not requiring a quick judgment before making a final decision. • Always treat your people as your greatest resource and never take them for granted.

28. 12 Officer Absolutes • Be vulnerable - never be afraid to admit you’re wrong or be afraid to fail. Without failure there can never be success. • Always give credit to others when things go right in your department. • Always take responsibility when things go wrong in your department. • It is more important to listen than to speak. • Know it will always be something. • Always expect and position others for greatness.

29. As officers and particularly as a chief officers, your subordinates want, expect, and are prepared to follow you: • If you trust them, they will trust you • If you depend on them, they will depend on you • Believe in them and they will believe in you

30. It’s Your Call Your department is waiting …