Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 10, Points

 

 Points

Leadership can be difficult.   Period.   But...it can also be very rewarding as well.  Episode 10 is the final episode in the series and follows Major Winters as he remembers some of  significant events that he and Easy Co. faced during combat. Many of these memories focus on shared experience with the members of Easy and the relationships that developed as a result of these shared experiences.  The speech given by the German General to his soldiers echoes the sentiment that a special bond is created between those that fight together.  A similar relationship exists in the Fire Service by those who serve together.  Late nights running call after call... strenuous fires... terrible and tragic calls... long hours on IA  Strike Teams... these experiences create a bond that is difficult to describe to those outside of our profession. 

This type of bond can be described in many ways, but all of those ways are just attempts to describe love.  The Greeks had eight different words for love; and no...I am not talking about Eros, which describes romantic love or Philia which describes love for friends.  I am speaking specifically about Agape; selfless unconditional love for one another as brothers and sisters that serve together.  This brings us to the point:

Effective Leaders Love People

Loving the people that you lead doesn't mean that you love everything they say, or everything they do. Leadership can be messy, complicated, and difficult; just like people can be messy, complicated, and difficult. Sometimes leadership requires justice and holding people accountable. Sometimes leadership requires grace and mercy.  This requires leaders to build authentic relationships with their team, remain objective, and show love with their actions as well as their words. 

Remember, as leaders we are in the "People Business" and we should strive to prioritize People before Process, and Process before Product.  Or...as they say in the U.S. Military, "Mission First, People Always."

Discussion questions to consider...

• Is it important for leaders to show love? Why?
• What are some of the issues that can make it difficult for leaders to show love?
• As a leader, how can you show love through your words and actions?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 9, Why We Fight

 

 Why We Fight

In this episode, the members of Easy Co. make a gruesome discovery near the town of Landsberg, Germany; Kaufering IV.  Kaufering IV is a subcamp of the larger Dachau concentration camp .  

The holocaust itself evokes many profound questions about human nature, and the nature of human conflict.  For the purpose of this discussion, we will attempt to focus on the immediate themes relating to our roles as leaders in situations of conflict.  An important place to begin is with an understanding of bias; specifically In-Group Bias, aka In-group/Out-Group.

In short, In-Group Bias is the tendency for people to favor those within a their perceived group over those who are outside of the group.  The simplest example can be seen with fans of a particular sports team vs those of another team.  This type of bias lays the groundwork for thoughts, ideas, words, and actions that separate and divide people.  Words such as "them" and "those people" are simple indicators of bias.  The root of the problem with In-Group bias is that it forms the foundation of human conflict.  

Simple disagreements transition quickly from:

"I'm right, you're wrong" 

    to... 

"I'm right and there is something wrong with you because you don't agree with me" 

    to eventually...

 

"I'm right, therefore I'm good...and you're wrong, therefore you're evil" 

Now, this is definitely an oversimplification of very complex concepts.  How does this relate to our role as leaders?  

Leaders Unite, they don't Divide.  

Bottom line...leaders are responsible for bringing people together, not driving them apart.  A key step to being able to accomplish this is to be able to identify In-group Bias within an organization, and to work diligently to minimize differences and maximize similarities.  

Discussion questions to consider...

• Are there different "groups" within our/your organization?
• How can In-group Bias impact the culture of an organization as a whole?
• What are some ways leaders can bring "groups" together?
• Which other types of bias inhibit positive leadership?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 8, The Last Patrol

 

 The Last Patrol

There are several themes that emerge in this episode, as members of Easy Company occupy an observation post in the town of Haguenau.    The central theme centers on the concept of tension.  By tension, I mean the kind of tension that exist when two forces are pulling at the opposite ends of a rope.  As the episode opens, you can observe the reaction of the battle weary soldiers to the return of Pvt. Webster, who is fresh from recovery at the hospital. There is also a kind of tension between the character of Lt. Jones and that of Capt. Winters.  One is a naïve "by-the-book" officer, fresh from West Point Military Academy...the other a battle weary, experienced leader that has earned the respect of his soldiers.  Still another, and more dramatic example is the tension that exists when Winters must decide between risking additional deaths of his soldiers, against following orders to carry out a senseless mission.  These examples all demonstrate that:

Leaders must learn to be comfortable in the presence of tension

As you continue to advance on the path of leadership within the fire service, you will become exposed to increasing states of tension.  This is especially true when making decisions regarding risk assessment.  The decision by Winters to order his men to rest, and report that they had completed the second patrol with no prisoners, was a very risky decision.  He weighed the risk of losing more soldiers, against what may have happened to him personally if his deception was discovered by his superiors.  It was a bold decision, but ultimately one that protected his soldiers from unnecessary loss of life.

Discussion questions to consider...

• Did Capt. Winters make the "right" decision?
• How did Webster overcome the tension between himself and the other soldiers?
• How are the situations of tension in the episode similar to situations in the fire service?
• As a leader in the fire service, what are some situations where you find yourself in tension?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 7, The Breaking Point

 The Breaking Point

Without a doubt, this episode is packed with action and drama, as Easy Co. sustains multiple casualties while under continuous German artillery.  We will focus on the assault on the town of Foy, in the latter half of the episode.  At his point in the battle, Easy Co. is under the command of Lt. Dyke, and makes an assault across an open field, while under fire.  In the midst of the assault, Dyke becomes overwhelmed and enters "the spin cycle."  In the face of a very dynamic environment, he fails to act.  As a consequence, his soldiers are caught in the open and suffer.  Dyke demonstrates through his failure to act, that he has failed as a leader.

Effective Leaders have a Bias Towards Action

What is a bias towards action?  In the face of uncertainty and complex/dynamic situations, effective leaders take action.  

Failing to make a decision, is making a decision to fail.

Making a decision doesn't mean making a move, just to make a move.  For example, after securing the perimeter and isolating entry, the first question that an incident commander should ask in a HazMat situation is something like, "If we take no action, will the situation resolve itself?"  Making a conscious decision to act, or not act, is still making a decision.  In some cases, it takes a great deal of discipline to decide to wait.  The point is...make a decision.  Go...stay...right...left...move...wait... Effective leaders make decisions, and in the face of uncertainty, they have a bias towards action.

Discussion questions to consider...

• What does a "Bias Towards Action" mean to you?
• How would you compare and contrast the actions of Lt. Dyke to the actions of Lt. Spears?
• Have you ever worked for or with a leader who couldn't make a decision?  If so, what was that experience like for you?
• As a leader in the fire service, which decisions should you be making...and which decisions should you be empowering others to make?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 6, Bastogne

 Bastogne

In this episode, we follow along with Eugene "Doc" Roe, Easy Company's medic.  The 506th PIR is surrounded in the Ardennes Forest, in what is know as the Battle of the Bulge.  Throughout the fighting, Doc is constantly on the move, treating the wounded, gathering supplies, and caring for the troops.  Even though Doc isn't a leader by rank, he shows us in very real terms that:

Leaders Serve Others Before Self

You have likely heard the term "Servant Leader."  This concept can be interpreted many different ways.  Many misinterpret this concept as weakness, or that a servant leader spends all of their time trying to make everyone happy...that is not the case.  Doc doesn't attempt to make everyone happy, but he certainly works hard to serve.

Discussion questions to consider...

• What does the term "Servant Leader" mean to you?
• What are the qualities that effective leaders possess?
• How have you been "served" by leaders?
• In what ways do you intend to serve others as a leader?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 5, Crossroads

 

Crossroads

This episode opens with Captain Winters doing what great leaders do...leading from the front.   Winters is promoted to the role of Executive Officer for the battalion, and the rest of the episode follows him as he transitions from a field tactician to an executive officer.  As part of that process, he must learn to let go...to let go of the direct leadership style he is used to and learn how to operate in a new role.  This transition demonstrates to us that:

Leaders Must Adapt

One thing that has proven to be true time and time again...change is a big part of growth.  Ask anyone in the fire service that has promoted to any position; they will all say...things change.  Responsibilities change. Roles change. Perspectives change. In fact...if your perspective doesn't change, some may say that you aren't growing or learning anything new.  As an example, if you are looking for the captain on the fire-ground and you find them on the nozzle...there is a problem!

Discussion questions to consider...

• How has your perspective changed over the course of your career?
• In what ways may a company officer's perspective be different than a firefighter's?
• How can leaders stay connected when they transition to new roles?
• In what ways have you had to adapt in your career, and how have you managed change?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 4, Replacements

 Replacements

In our last post, we discussed the value of courage, and what courageous leadership may look like.  Today's episode takes us to Holland with Easy Co, as they jump into Operation Market Garden.

Leadership takes on many forms, and is not dependent on rank.  This episode follows along with one of the NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) Sargent Denver "Bull" Randleman.  As the "replacements" join with Easy Co. in the episode, Bull gives us an example of what a mentor looks like.

Leaders are Mentors

Like the other terms we have discussed so far, if you google "mentor" you will find many different definitions.  More importantly...what does it mean to you?  As you learn and grow in your skills as a leader, consider the following:

Discussion questions to consider...

• What does it mean to you to be a mentor?
• Have you had mentors in your life?
• Have you been or are you currently a mentor to someone?
• What does and "ideal" fire service mentor look like?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 3, Carentan

 Carentan

Last week we discussed what a leader looks like, with Lt. Winters as the primary focus.  We observed how the values of Faithfulness, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence are important for a leader to develop and act out in their daily life.  In this episode, we will discuss another important quality/value/characteristic of leadership; Courage.  Which of course raises the question:

What does Courage Look Like?

In this episode, pay close attention to not only Lt. Winters, but also to the soldiers serving with him.  Remember that leadership can occur in any rank and courage takes on many forms.  Pay attention to the journey of Private Blithe and his interactions with Winters and the other soldiers.  Is courage something you are born with...or is it something you develop or earn?

Discussion questions to consider...

• What does courage look like to you?
• In what ways must a leader be courageous?
• What is the relationship between courage and fear?
• Should leaders show fear?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 2, Day of Days

 Day of Days

In our last discussion, we compared the actions of two leaders in an effort to answer the question "What does leadership look like?".  In this episode, we will focus on one of those leaders, Lt. Richard "Dick" Winters.  As Easy Company makes the "jump" into Normandy, France, the story follows along with Winters and several members of Easy.  In the early morning hours, Winters demonstrates TIER leadership.  He gathers up several soldiers and Takes Initiative and Engages.  When he has the first opportunity, he also Reports his actions.  In other words, he begins to show us answers to the question:

What Does a Leader Look Like?

How would you describe the characteristics of a good leader?  Depending on the book you read, you will find a long list of character or behavior traits.  As it has been said, "You don't need an interpreter to understand someone's character."  So what kind of leader do you want to be?  How do you determine which character traits are important to develop?  If you are part of an organization like Chino Valley Fire, it can be helpful to align you Personal Values with the Organizational Values:

Faithfulness    Integrity    Respect    Excellence

As you watch this episode, pay careful attention to how Winters behaves, as actions speak much louder than words.  Consider the following:

Discussion questions to consider...

• How does Winters demonstrate FAITHFULNESS?
• How does Winters demonstrate INTEGRITY?
• How does Winters demonstrate RESPECT?
• How does Winters demonstrate EXCELLENCE?

Leadership Blog V2.0 Episode 1, Currahee

 Currahee!

If you search the internet or read any books on the subject, you will likely find many answers.  These answers will likely include catchy phrases about getting other people to do something, or having influence on others, etc.  

As we begin our discussion about leadership, I encourage you to ask yourself the question...

What does "Leadership" look like?

We have all experienced many forms of leadership throughout our life and career.  As we watch Episode 1, Currahee, pay close attention to the styles demonstrated by Dick Winters (played by Damian Lewis) and Herbert Sobel (played by Ross from Friends, AKA David Schwimmer).

Discussion questions to consider...

• How would you describe the leadership style of Sobel vs. Winters?  
• What are the positive attributes or results from each of these styles?
• Which leader would you rather follow?
• What kind of leader do you want to be...and why?

Deeper Dive...

While performing exercises in the field, Sobel fails repeatedly in the technical application of leadership.  Specifically, he gets his people lost and "killed" in multiple drills.  His technical abilities, or lack thereof, results in the loss of confidence of his subordinates.  This  results in the NCOs' (sergeants) votes of no confidence, and ultimately the reassignment of Sobel.

• How important is it for a leader to technically competent?
• In what other areas must an effective leader be "competent?"
• Do you have to be the person "in charge" to be a leader?
• What did the NCOs risk by taking the action they did?

Let the conversations begin!  Please share your thoughts in the blog....