Unit 1

1. Unit 1 01-1-S230-EP

2. Unit 1 Objectives • Describe the values and principles of operational leadership. • Identify the qualities of good leadership. 01-2-S230-EP

3. Leadership Concepts The most essential element of successful wildland firefighting is Competent and Confident Leadership. 01-3-S230-EP

4. 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.

5. Competence and Confidence • Competence and Confidence will both come through TRAINING and EXPERIENCE. • As a leader develops in competence, confidence will follow.

6. Leadership Concepts Leadership means providing purpose, direction and motivation for wildland firefighters working to accomplish difficult tasks under dangerous and stressful circumstances. 01-6-S230-EP

7. Exercise • How do YOU provide Purpose? • How do YOU provide Direction? • How do YOU provide Motivation? 01-7-S230-EP

8. In confusing and uncertain situations, a good operational leader will: • TAKE CHARGE of assigned resources. • MOTIVATE firefighters with a “can do safely” attitude. 01-8-S230-EP

9. 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.

10. DUTY 01-10-S230-EP

11. Qualities of Good Leadership 01-11-S230-EP

12. To be a Good Leader: You must be proficient in your job, both technically and as a leader. • Take charge when in charge. • Adhere to professional standard operating procedures. • Develop a plan to accomplish given objectives. 01-12-S230-EP

13. To be a Good Leader: You must make sound and timely decisions. • 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.

14. 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. 01-14-S230-EP

15. To be a Good Leader: You must develop your subordinates for the future. • Clearly state expectations. • Delegate those tasks that you are not required to do personally. • Consider individual skill levels and developmental needs when assigning tasks. 01-15-S230-EP

16. RESPECT 01-16-S230-EP

17. 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. 01-17-S230-EP

18. To be a Good Leader: You must keep your subordinates informed. • Provide accurate and timely briefings. • Give the reason (intent) for assignments and tasks. • Make yourself available to answer questions at appropriate times.

19. To be a Good Leader: You must build the team. • Conduct frequent debriefings with the team to identify lessons learned. • Recognize individual and team accomplishments and reward them appropriately. • Apply disciplinary measures equally.

20. To be a Good Leader: You must employ your subordinates in accordance with their capabilities. • 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. 01-20-S230-EP

21. INTEGRITY 01-21-S230-EP

22. To be a Good Leader: You must know yourself and seek improvement. • Know the strengths and weaknesses in your character and skill level. • Ask questions of peers and superiors. • Actively listen to feedback from subordinates. 01-22-S230-EP

23. To be a Good Leader: You must seek responsibility and accept responsibility for your actions. • Accept full responsibility for and correct poor performance. • Credit subordinates for good performance. • Keep your superiors informed of your actions.

24. To be a Good Leader: You must set the example. • Share the hazards and hardships with your subordinates. • Don’t show discouragement when facing setbacks. • Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong. 01-24-S230-EP

25. Review Unit 1 Objectives • Describe the values and principles of operational leadership. • Identify the qualities of good leadership. 01-25-S230-EP