Squirrel!

"Squirrel with kernel of corn" by Pearl Photo is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

There you are—working in flow. Then "bing," "ring," or "buzz." The sounds of notifications clamor for your attention just like squirrels to a nearby dog. One little check of my phone, a short call, or a quick jump to another project won't cause you problems. You'll be back in flow and finish the task at hand. I am a great multitasker! Right? 

Consistency Over Time

(Photo: Aaron Bartz)

“Consistency” by meaning (circa 1716) is the "steady adherence to principles, patterns of action, etc." The word itself has changed meaning and definition from different periods, but the definition from 1716 is so simple we overlook it. Exactly like our new year’s resolutions of getting in the gym or starting a fitness program, we have lofty goals and expectations but most fall short in the same attempt, consistency.

IGNITE: To Be - Not To Do

 

“Leadership is a matter of how to be, not how to do.” Frances Hesselbein

[Photo: Joseph Koffel/Baker River IHC]

IGNITE: Treasures

 

People under the influence of an empowering person are like paper in the hands of a great artist. No matter what they're made of, they can become treasures. - John Maxwell

[Photo: Moki Helitack/BLM]

Challenge 48: 2021 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #48: Effective leaders use a variety of leadership styles.

• Complete WE’s “Exploring the Four Leadership Styles” activity with your team. 

IGNITE: A Spectrum of Styles

There are a lot of men with feminine leadership styles and there are a lot of women with masculine leadership styles. - Jill Soloway

[Photo: Austin Catlin/BLM]

IGNITE: One Style is Not Enough

The best leaders don’t know just one style of leadership—they’re skilled at several and have the flexibility to switch between styles as the circumstances dictate. ♦ Daniel Goleman ♦

[Photo: BLM]

IGNITE The Art of Leadership

 

The art of leadership requires a constant interchange of theory and application. The art also includes being able to view the larger picture—discerning how to turn a weakness into a strength, gauging what is and is not within our control. - Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, p. 9


[Photo: Kari Greer/USFS]

IGNITE: Leader First, Then Vision

People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. ♦ John Maxwell ♦ 

Photo: San Juan IHC

Art of Leadership

Leaders deeply affect people and organizations, both positively and negatively. Accidental leaders, who have little interest or enthusiasm for leadership responsibilities or self-improvement, can inhibit people’s growth and reduce the effectiveness of their organizations. 

Final Challenge - The Art of Leadership

Final Challenge: The Art of Leadership
Approach each day with a blank canvas.

• Write and paint a new page in our life story.

#artofleadership

Challenge #88: The Art of Leadership

Challenge #88: The Art of Leadership 

In your journal, reflect upon the following:

• What shifts in your leadership have you experienced over the last year?
• What do you still need to work on? 

#artofleadership

Challenge #87: The Art of Leadership

Challenge #87: The Art of Leadership
Being an agent of change is a leader’s job. In your journal, respond to the following:

• How do I feel about leading change?
• List one area of change you intend to lead in 2020.

#artofleadership

Challenge #86: The Art of Leadership

Challenge #86: The Art of Leadership
Effective leaders benchmark other leaders.

• Who are the leaders you follow?
• Keep yourself relevant and informed by switching up your list from time to time.

#artofleadership

Challenge #85: The Art of Leadership

Challenge #85: The Art of Leadership
Good leaders hone their critical thinking skills.

• Read the INC article “7 Mental Exercises to Make You a Better Critical Thinker” by Larry Alton. [http://bit.ly/2ImfVpk]
• Practice. Practice. Practice

#artofleadership

Challenge #84: The Art of Leadership

Challenge #84: The Art of Leadership
You have had nearly a year to work on your leadership art. In your journal, respond to the following:

• What five words describe you at your best?
• What five words describe you at your worst?
• What is your plan to maintain the best and mitigate the worst?

#artofleadership

Challenge 83: The Art of Leadership

Challenge 83: The Art of Leadership

Effective leaders get involved with their operations without micromanaging.

• Make it a habit to be visible during operations.
• Lend a helping hand on occasion.
• Share the joys and hardships with your team.

#artofleadership

Challenge 82: The Art of Leadership

Challenge 82: The Art of Leadership
Effective leaders promote a culture where morale and retention is high, people are committed and performance well.

• In your journal, list what items create this type of environment for you.
• What type of environment do your team members need?

#artofleadership

Challenge 81: The Art of Leadership

Challenge 81: The Art of Leadership

Leaders set the example.

• In your journal, write down how you want to be seen by your team members.
• Conduct an evaluation (could be a 360-degree assessment) to see if your perception matches reality.

#artofleadership

Challenge 80: The Art of Leadership

Challenge 80: The Art of Leadership
Leaders should be fit for duty.

• In your journal, make a plan to:
• Meditate/reflect daily.
• Eat well.
• Exercise.
• Implement your plan.

#artofleadership