Lesson #1 - The Definition of Leadership: Influence
Question #1 Identify person/s that have influenced you in your life? What traits from them would you like to adopt as you grow in leadership?
Question #2 Based on what you've learned in this lesson, how do you need to change? What concrete, measurable step can you take this week to grow in the area of influencing others?
Please answer both questions and respond to other posts!
Question #2- I need to make many changes. One change I'm willing to be transparent about is my need to be more careful of what I say AND how I say it. We influence people wether we intend to or not. I do not want to negatively influence people, knowingly or unknowingly. One way I can start to make a "concrete, measurable step" is to dig out and prepare the forms. By this I mean use more care and be more intentional in my communication and my responses to conversations. Even the conversations that seem to have little meaning.
ReplyDeleteThe way we talk to people is huge! When I first came on, the newer guys were yelled at and mistreated regularly. It was accepted back then and just part of the culture. Looking back today, I have no respect for them and don't really care to communicate with many of them today. Respect should be given both ways and some of the healthiest relationships I have is built on mutual respect. It is one of the most important traits in leadership! We get so bogged down on the "busyness" of work and tend to not focus on relationships therefore jeopardizing the influence you have over others!
DeleteThis one really hit home for me too, Arn. As I was reading the questions, before I read your answer, my mind jumped to this as well. One of my first jobs I worked my way up to an Associate Manager and one of my biggest weaknesses was they way I talked to people. I think the hardest part of it was that my intentions weren't to be rude or condescending but that's how I was coming off and it severely affected the impact I had in the position. Nobody wanted to work for someone that they thought was rude or condescending. I had to make a conscience effort to watch how I came off to people. It is still something I continue to work on to this day.
DeleteI understand what your saying. At times, conversations at work can move in many differents directions. I am learning the impact I can have on those conversations. I now understand how much influence I can have in these discussions. It is important engage in conversations honestly, but also be constructive focusing on making a positive impact. As a leader, I'm understanding the influence that I can have.
Deletetest
DeleteQuestion #1- In my formative years it would be my parents, a few teachers and coaches that influenced me. As an adult, I’ve mostly been influenced by Jesus and my my wife because they’re amazing! I’ve had supervisors and work partners that have had influence on me as well. As I grow as a leader some of the traits I hope to adopt from them are patience, wisdom and responding from a place of love and confidence (vs right & wrong).
ReplyDeleteWhen you say supervisors and work partners influencing you, what are some of those influences that changes you to become who you are today? What did they do that you took notice?
DeleteOne trait would be when those influential leaders spoke people took notice. They had gained others respect over their careers and that gave them authority with most. I desired to achieve that and applied myself to learn my craft and worked hard during training opportunities and incidents.
DeleteQuestion 1, as I think about the my biggest influences in my life I realize most of them have come in my later years of my life. People I have worked with and worked for. These people are leaders in all ranks. The way they carry themselves confidently and always have a positive outlook. I have realized it’s not always the supervisor that leads but the subordinates too. I strive to be a positive influence to calm the chaos in situations and conversations. I desire to lead in my current position as much as I would want to in the next position to inspire others.
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DeleteI agree with you Kyle, the position does not make a leader. I have been influenced by many people that we work within all ranks. I think positivity goes a long way, especially in our line of work. When I work with a crew that is positive it always is more enjoyable to come to work.
Question 2, in such a negative world at times it’s hard to not have it impact you negatively and those around me. From this lesson I am reminded of how great leaders lead. They lead with influence, they invest and care about the people they lead. The biggest step to take and change is to constantly be aware of your surroundings and what influence you have based on attitude. I need to be as positive as I can and emulate the leaders that influenced me.
ReplyDeleteI find that I’m most successful at resisting negativity when I don’t participate in the conversations that are focussed on tearing down. I believe it’s healthy to question why things are they way they are, as long as our goal is understanding. My challenge is to question with understanding as the goal, while resisting judgement of things I don’t understand.
DeleteI also agree with not participating in negative talk about other people. I think it's always a better atmosphere when people worry about themselves instead of talking negative about someone else and what others are doing.
Deleteunknown above is mine.
DeleteQuestion 1,
ReplyDeleteAs I look back and think about the people who have influenced my life the list can be quite long. It may sound cliche, but I believe one of my biggest influences growing up was my father. At times when I was young, I may have felt that he was too strict or ruled with an iron fist, but in hindsight now I look back and see that his influence in my childhood developed the work ethic I have today.
The friendships I formed growing up also proved to be a catalyst in influence and taught me the qualities of being a good friend. Teachers in my life provided influence as they allowed me to succeed in my dreams. Some of the greatest teachers I have encountered were in the fire explorers. At 15 I joined the fire explorers and started meeting professional firefighters who were doing what I knew I wanted to do for the rest of my career. Being around them taught me discipline and what it takes to survive as a rookie and in a firehouse. Working at the hospital also provided me opportunities for influence. There I worked with doctors and nurses who showed me compassion and care for others. Lastly, my wife is a big influence in my life. She has shown me commitment and motivation as she has earned her master’s degree and now working through her doctorate.
A strong work ethic, drive to succeed, comradery, compassion, empathy, and perseverance are all traits I would like to implement in my journey through leadership.
Question 1 - Throughout the years I have been influenced by many people; teachers, coaches, athletes, parents.... it wasn't until the last few years as I learned more about leadership that I truly understood why they influenced me. I liked my favorite athletes because they were good, but now I realize how much hard work they put into being good. My favorite teachers and coaches went out of their way to help me learn, help me succeed, they provided me with a positive role model. My parents sacrificed, worked hard to provide for us. They taught me responsibility, loyalty, ethics, morals among many other things. The learning never stops, everyday I try to be better. I am at a point in my life where my wife, my kids, are my influence. When I first started as a paramedic I had someone tell me "run each call as if your parents were standing there and watching you." I wanted to do my best for them, and while that is still true, today I try to succeed for my wife and children. I want them to be influenced by who I am, my hard work, my dedication, my positivity, my love. I want to give them what I was given.
ReplyDeleteIn reflecting on Chapter 1, I feel that an area of focus and change for me will be in Level 1, Position. As a new leader, I will need to better understand my positionality and influence in relation to the crew I lead. Within the department, I am looked at as a person who is a friend to everyone. When you hear that a person is a “friend to everyone” there is a tendency to equate that to being “too nice” and then weak or unknowing.
ReplyDeleteA measurable step that I can take this week is to better understand my positionality as a budding leader and know the type of leader I want to be. I see myself in the role of captain as a transformational leader. I can leverage my disposition to foster interpersonal relationships among my team. This in turn will establish trust, clarify intentions, inspire confidence, and build a solid team.
Well said Mark. Especially your goals at the end to establish trust and clarify intentions. I preferred to work with people I saw as friends. Not so I can cut corners and bend rules, because I valued the friendship. It kept me accountable to not let my friend (my supervisor) down. I didn’t ever want to challenge his position. So as a leader we set the standard and like you said, build a solid team.
DeleteQuestion 1- The people who have influenced me in my life have always been the type that lead by example. For me actions always speak louder than words. To me leaders are individuals that you admire, respect, and want to follow/be like. Individuals who have influenced me were my parents,friends,co-workers, and especially my father who was in the fire service. I have co-workers that I admire and have strived to learn from many them. There have been many times when situations have come up and I thought to my self, How would so and so handle this situation?.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2 - Someone once told me "no matter what you think of Reilly, you know when he steps off of the rig he is going to know what he is doing." At the time I was very proud of that statement. I took pride in having a strong work ethic and knowing my job but I chose to ignore the first part. I brushed it off and thought to myself "they just don't know me." It wasn't until after last test when I was having a discussion on what I thought the department's perception of me was until the light bulb turned on. I always went along with the fact that I don't need to be engaged, I'm ok with being silent and keeping to myself. I was told, "Mike, you may not need that, but your crew does." In this lesson we learned about the 5 levels of leadership, I have been doing a poor job on level 2, permission (relationships). To quote the book, "true influence begins with the heart, not the head. It flourishes through personal connections. The agenda on this level is not pecking order, it's people connection. Leaders who succeed on this level focus their time and energy on the needs and desires of the individuals on their team. And they connect with them." How I can grow is how I engage and connect with my crew, peers, and coworkers. The thought, the consideration has always been there but I will be more open about it, more engaging. I will meet them on their level and not expect them to meet me on my level.
ReplyDeleteWhen I reviewed the results of my second captains test with DC Atkinson I was shocked to find out my score on the interview section. When I left that interview I felt like we had a great conversation and I had confidence that the chiefs knew my heart, my intent and my growth. The scores revealed to me that was not the case. That year I had another conversation with then Captain Dave Williams on the same subject which made me realize some truths. People can only know the part of you that you show them. If there are people that have little to no interaction with you it’s nearly impossible for them to know who you are and what you’re about. I knew that the people I worked with on my shift and station knew me well. Conversely the people that worked with me infrequently (on overtimes/trades/drills) or not at all (chief officers) couldn’t know me well. I pondered how to overcome this since it had real consequences for me. I took action by reaching out to and meeting with chiefs. My goal was to establish or grow relationships. Additionally, I was intentional about how I interacted with people I rarely see/work with so they could get to know more of me. Thanks to my awareness and effort to change, I have seen the fruit of my effort in those relationships and I continue to improve them.
DeleteQuestion #1. For me one of the biggest influences in my life has been my father. I say this because as a very young child growing up with a dad as a Police Office I was taught so many things that at the time I had no idea would have such an impact on my life. As I have become older and now have kids of my own I see those traits and lessons in a completely different perspective. Some of the traits are his ability to maintain a positive outlook no matter how tough life can get. He was tough on my brother and I but looking back I know it was because of the things he would see on the job when kids were not taught respect, drive, communication. I have tried to take those traits and apply them with my own kids in hopes that I will be a positive influence in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Joel. I grew up the same way. My dad was very tough on me and my brother but I now see why he did what he did. Now that Im a dad I still work till this day to find that balance of dad and the teacher of life's lessons.
DeleteQuestion #2. Based on what I have learned in this lesson I have realized that I need to change is investing more time into co-workers. I work with 2 guys that are wanting to work on their certified driving task book. I realized that sadly I have not done a good job of putting in effort to see what their needs and wants are. To be honest I have put my own needs ahead of theirs. I learned that I need to find a way to balance both and take interest in others needs.I am making a conscious effort to sit down with them and let them know I would like to make their goals happen and come up with a plan to work towards those goals.
ReplyDeleteYup, making time for others especially with the busyness of work is hard. We make what’s important a priority and a refocus is needed. We need to take care of our people and invest time into getting to know them therefore creating mutual respect! Instead of be self s entered we need to be “Others Centered”
DeleteQuestion-2 I feel that I am at position 1. I am also more quiet and reserved at times. As a future potential leader I want my co-workers to follow because they want to not because they have to. I want them to be excited to come to work and know that no matter what challenges/ situations that come up we will figure out a solution together. There have many been leaders that I have worked for that created such good environments that to me it was a pleasure to come to work. I have also worked at times where the environment was not so great and I did not look forward to coming to work. I always told my-self that if I ever make Captain I would never make my crew feel that way. Things I will work on, will be to always be aware of how my co-workers are feeling and the environment around the station. I will also make a conscious effort to create a good environment, while upholding the standers.
ReplyDeleteDon't view yourself as a "potential" future leader Brian. I think you have been around this organization for a long time and have a lot of valuable experience that you may or may not realize. I like your point about figuring out solutions together!!!! We are a team and that's what makes a team is everyone having input and working together.
DeleteQuestion 2, in such a negative world at times it’s hard to not have it impact you negatively and those around me. From this lesson I am reminded of how great leaders lead. They lead with influence, they invest and care about the people they lead. The biggest step to take and change is to constantly be aware of your surroundings and what influence you have based on attitude. I need to be as positive as I can and emulate the leaders that influenced me
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ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt I have had numerous role models and mentors, each effecting my life in a positive way; ranging from coaches, teachers, and co-workers alike. However, the most influential person in my life, is also very close to my heart, my father. I didn't realize it as a child, but looking retrospectively and through an objective lens, my father has always been a leader, personally and professionally . His demeanor is always one of calm and rationality, no matter the situation. He continuously strives to improve within his occupation, despite having over forty years of experience. It would be my desire to continuously look to better myself in these areas. Reasons being, these seemingly basic traits are the core of good leadership. The simple act of approaching situations with a calm level head, allows you to see clearly and act decisively. Lastly, with an industry such as ours that seems to be ever evolving, remaining a student of your craft is essential.
Steve,
DeleteSounds like you had a great role model to look up to and show you how to be a leader. If we all could approach situations like your father, I think a lot of unnecessary conflict we never happen.
Question #2
ReplyDeleteI pride myself as a person that is able to prioritize and execute. Whether it be a writing exam for a college course, a deadline I need to make for a project at work. I have always been able to see the long game and able to carve out time and effort, to accomplish any and all tasks assigned. However, only after I finished reading the chapter, The Key to Leadership: Priorities, did I realize I have failed to express the importance of prioritization to my own son. Jacob is 8 years old and like everyone else is partaking in distance learning, from home via Zoom. He has been struggling over the past few months with his studies, mainly complaining of the workload and the demand. Noting this problem after reading the material, I need to be a better communicator to my son on the benefits of prioritization. After this rotation, I plan to chart a course of action starting with assignments that are immediately due, tailing with the least important. I hope that this visual aid and conversation will set a foundation for him in the years to come.
Great idea Steve. Monica and I are having similar struggles with our son when it comes to prioritization. I think the visual aid may spark an interest in him that we have not quite accomplished through our communication.
DeleteSteve,
DeleteI totally agree with you. This new concept of distance learning is not only tough for us parents but totally out of the norm for our kids. We forget sometimes or we are so overwhelmed with things we push the easy button when it comes to "school" for our kids. Maybe they sleep in longer than normal or its not a big deal you can wear your pajamas today but I think we are doing them a disservice in doing so. I too need to sit down with my girls and set priorities for them so I can help set them up for success.
Thank you for your thoughtful responses. I gain personal insight from these thoughts after some reflection. There were some very influential people throughout my life that made a huge impact on me even though I didn’t fully grasp that impact until much later. When thinking about what traits to adopt from those experiences, please continue to engage in reflection. As time passes, you may continually gain insight from these experiences as you grow and your perspective changes. With regards to the second question, sometimes change seems like a big task. Maybe focus on improving. That may feel more obtainable even as you grow and change over time. This may just be a matter of semantics, but it helps me wrap my head around the concept. A big step in helping me become more influential was learning to listen and understand other’s perspectives and motivations.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #1
ReplyDeleteOne of my influences early in life was my grandfather. He was the father figure to my brother and I as my father died when we were young. He retired from the fire service the day I was born and immediately began volunteering at the local fire station in our small town. He did this for one reason, he passionately enjoys helping people. My grandfather is 90 years old and he still puts the desires and needs of others before his own.
Growing older and watching my brother climb the ranks in the United States Air Force we routinely discuss leadership. He is a Colonel now and leads hundreds of service men and women at different bases around the world. I have been fortunate to attend multiple promotion ceremonies, but none quite as memorable as the last. I was approached by a Four Star General who wanted to tell me my brother was a tremendous leader. One trait he displays that I hope to adopt is his outlook on the word “team”. Its never “his” accomplishment, its “the team”. He is a firm believer that no matter how successful the world may perceive him he would not be there without “the team”. Another is how he frequently reflects on where he came from. Tucked under the inside flap of his uniform hat you will find a single gold bar. This was the first rank he wore in the air force almost 20 years ago. He carries it on him to remind him of how he felt on his very first day. When dealing with new airmen it reminds him of how they feel in their current positions.
That’s powerful Bobby. Grandfathers were a different breed. I wish I got to know mine better but I was younger when they passed. I wish I got to know their earlier lives and time in the service. Your brother is an amazing influence and inspires me.
DeleteThat’s powerful Bobby. Grandfathers were a different breed. I wish I got to know mine better but I was younger when they passed. I wish I got to know their earlier lives and time in the service. Your brother is an amazing influence and inspires me
DeleteBobby!
DeleteThank you for sharing this story, Kyle said it perfectly, "POWERFUL". This is definitely a true lesson on humility and a true reminder for all of us, especially as we progress as leaders.
That is awesome stuff Bobby! I couldn't agree more with your brothers feelings about the "team" and their accomplishments together. I dig that he continues to wear his single gold bar as a reminder of where he's been.
DeleteQuestion #1
ReplyDeleteLooking back over the years I feel blessed that I have had the opportunity to meet and know some amazing people. I too, like many of you have had some amazing coaches, teachers, friends and family members that have taught me and influenced me in ways I cannot describe. My father was a hardworking man who loved his family and set the example of who I want to be as a dad. I had coaches who were tough on me not because they were “mean” but because they cared and wanted to see me succeed. These “adults” all helped influence who I was to become as an adult but the one who has had the biggest impact on my life was a child.
At the age of 4 my friends’ daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Her battle was long, tough and something no child should ever had to endure but yet she faced it with courage and a smile. She showed me that no matter what life throws at you, how you respond to it can help others around you. My wife always reminds me when I’ve been faced with a challenge to remember about Monroe and if a little girl can face a challenge so can you. Fortitude, compassion, resiliency, and being able to prioritize what is important are all lessons I have learned from her and hope to grow upon every day.
Travis, your wife's reminder is sobering and very effective. A reminder that all of us need in life from time to time. It can certainly help us in getting refocused on what were are able to accomplish and the important things in life. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteYour fight and attitude going thru all you have endured over the last few years even prior to cancer have been inspirational to me Trav. You are a great friend and I remember sitting at Islands with you for lunch the day you told me about your cancer diagnosis. I did not know what to make of it I immediately thought about Debbie and the girls.It seemed like such a haze and I had no answers for you. You immediately were positive and ready to fight this without reserve. I never saw fear in you or doubt and to be honest I still think about that to this day. Proud to call you a friend and brother.
DeleteJoel I truly believe when you surround yourself with good people you can get through anything. I am blessed to have a friend like you. I know we all go through struggles in our lives and I learned over the years that if we let people in you will be amazed in the strength you gain from their support and love.
DeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteBased on what I have learned in this lesson I believe the biggest step I can take to grow in influencing others is production. Every year when the bid comes around, I tend to gravitate towards crews or people with whom I have the best relationships. I think you can be very productive working with friends, but it requires more focus at times. In years past I have noticed that half of the year had gone by without a single task book objective being completed. I have also worked on a crew where I did not know a lot about the people on it when the year started. As the year progressed great relationships formed. I was challenged every step of the way, but I enjoyed it. That particular year was one of my busiest and most productive years thus far in my career.
Bobby I totally agree with you. We get in our comfort zones with people we get along with and have a great time, but many times aspirations we may have at the beginning fall to the wayside. We also by bidding with the same people fall short in developing relationships with others. Some of my most productive years have been those that I have ventured out of my norm and went into the year with an open mind and goal of development.
DeleteBobby,
DeleteI think stepping outside of our comfort zone can be scary, but I think it makes you rise to the occasion. You can accomplish so much more than you ever thought you could do, and learn and be inspired by people that you never thought could inspire you.
Question #2
ReplyDeleteOver the past several years I have had a lot of time to sit and reflect on my life and I always ask myself is there more I can do. I have read many books and listened to many inspiring people and all have accomplished many great things and continue to give back to others. I am inspired by their stories and I have been drawn to them because they produce results. After reading this chapter it makes since that successful leaders not only build strong relationships but produce great results in many different aspects of their life’s and endeavors, they have started. I truly believe I am able to develop strong relationships with people but I know I’m lacking in producing results. I am very good at having one foot in and one foot out, now is the time for me to jump in with both feet. I know I have more to give and I belong to several organizations outside of work that will not only help me grow as a person but allow me to give back to others as so many have given to me.
Lesson 1, Question 1
ReplyDeleteI have had and have numerous mentors that have influenced my life. The traits that I am drawn to and like to adopt are people that are driven, care about others, make time to help people, know their job well, are critical thinkers, are forever learners, are true to their families and friends and have humility.
Travis Foster
Great post Travis! I was particularly drawn to the "forever learners" trait. This is such an important trait in todays fire service.
DeleteI agree with you 100% Travis! That’s the Law of Magnitude at work, meaning we are attracted to people like ourselves. I believe the true burden of command is gaining credibility from those that oppose our opinion. To me, this is the true test of a great leader!
DeleteLesson 1, Question 2
ReplyDeleteThrough the reading something stood out in regards to developing others and having influence in that realm. We as leaders must be willing to be vulnerable as role models and coaches. I can certainly see the benefit of this because it provides the feeling that one is being authentic, doesn’t have all the answers and is growing themselves. I feel that not being vulnerable is a natural response in fear of exposing oneself. This may even be compounded in the fire service simply due to heavy presence of Type A personalities. I plan to work on this component for my personal growth as a leader.
Question#1
ReplyDeleteI have had many people that have influenced me throughout my life. When I was little, my parents divorced and my mother has always been the figure in my life that has influenced me. She had to work 2-3 jobs just to be able to support my sister and I, and she never complained or held it against us. Her work ethic has been the thing that has stuck with me growing up and becoming an adult. As a leader, actions speak louder than words and production leads to development. Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.
My parents also divorced when I was younger and I cannot imagine where I would be without my “step” mother. At such a young age I truly was at a crossroads in my life. My birth mother was in and out of jail and dealt with substance abuse. To be completely honest my “step” mom had her work cut out for her. I was a spoiled brat but she raised me as her own. I would not be where I am today without her influence on me. I will be forever grateful that God put her in my life.
DeleteAs the book explains, it is vitally important as a leader to recognize the importance of relationships. Throughout my fire service career, I have had the benefit of working for some phenomenal leaders. I have grown to realize that the people that I gravitate towards are the ones that place others as their number one priority. We can all study the technical side of the job and become proficient through our trials. However, to learn the art of making others our focus and ensure that they are led in the right manner is my priority.
DeleteWith this said, I would like to continue to work towards emulating my father. He has always worked hard and treated others with respect, dignity, and honor. He is the kind of man that would give a stranger his last dollar and assistance without the expectation of a returned favor.
Question#2
ReplyDeleteBased on what I have learned in this lesson, a concrete, measurable step that I can take away from this week to grow in influencing others is positivity. When conversations get going around the table while having coffee or after dinner, they tend to become or get negative usually about situations or people at work. Like many others, I have joined in and added negative comments or opinions to the conversation. Looking back, I have had multiple opportunities to change the dynamic of the conversation and add positive outlook or challenge people to become a mentor instead of breaking the individual down. In the fire service, we’re very quick to “eat our own” because it’s easy or because that’s what everyone else is doing. I’ve realized that it takes a “leader” to stand up and change the norm too develop a better product within our department. If you don’t believe in the messenger, you won’t believe the message.
Tommy, This is a powerful and completely valid realization. We have ALL been guilty of this. I definitely agree that we could do a better job and hope you have great success in "turning" the conversation. Imagine what we could do as an organization if we built each other up instead of tear each other down!
DeleteGentlemen,
DeleteI couldn't agree more. It is human nature to join in on the firehouse banter that takes place; whether on the rig or kitchen table. However, to Tommy's point, it takes moral courage to sit back, take it all in and provide positive contributions to the conversation at hand. Especially right now with all of the challenges in our personal and professional lives, we should all work on recognizing the importance of checking in on our brothers and sisters and providing meaningful encouragement.
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ReplyDeleteI grew up with a single mother and did not have a male role model in my life until I became an Explorer with the Rialto FD. Mike Watson an Explorer Advisor took me under his wing and became a father figure to me. He was not required to do so and did not get any extra pay or accolades for doing that. He was humble but firm with me. He was bold in his faith and demonstrated what it meant to love others unconditionally without any expectation of anything in return. He is the single reason I became a firefighter.
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ReplyDeleteQuestion#1
ReplyDeleteGrowing up I have been fortunate in having many role models, mentors to look up to, and coaches to show me the way. For me, the one person that stands out is my father. Looking back at my childhood my father was always heavily involved in his work, community, and family. Of all of his traits, the ones that come to mind first are his positivity, controlled demeanor, and willingness to always make time for those who needed it.
Queston#2
ReplyDeleteBased on what I have learned in this lesson I believe I need to focus on levels 1 and 2 of influence. Being new to this position and district proving myself a confident and competent Firefighter Paramedic. Looking to the leaders around me and understanding what makes them good leaders. Building on and starting to build good relationships with the co-workers around me. These steps will begin a good foundation of influence and help me in becoming a better leader.
Cory, you are right building a good foundation of relationships with co-workers and mentors is important to your influence within the department. Understanding their value and yours is important to leadership. Good work
Delete#1
ReplyDeleteGrowing up being involved in multiple sports and fire explorers I have had many people influence me in my life, however the one that stands out to me the most is my father. One of his traits that I wish to adopt from him is his ability to communicate and form relationships. I have watched how beneficial having communication and relationships with others can be when in a leadership role.
#2
ReplyDeleteAfter finishing chapter two the one word or topic that felt like the author was speaking directly to me was the topic of margin. This has easily been one of the most challenging and demanding years of my young life where I was feeling overwhelmed trying to absorb and learn everything I could to be successful and complete my probation. After reading this I realized I did not have any margin I was often as he stated in the book “burning the candle from both ends”, looking back and reflecting on myself finding that happy medium and balance and prioritizing goals to allow myself to function at a higher level. A step that I can take this week in my position near the end of my probationary is to share this reflection on time management and ways to improve and manage stressors with the other probationary firefighters who have just begun their probation.
Trevor, strong work. Understanding time management is vital to creating a healthy balance of work and home. Talking to your peers and having that open line of communication is vital to forming relationships. Never be afraid to communicate.
DeleteQuestion #1
ReplyDeleteThroughout my life I have been positively influenced by many people including family, friends and coworkers. The person who I believe has had the greatest influence in my life is my Father. My father is not a man of many words, but instead a man of action. Unknowingly as a child, watching him lead by example has left an imprint of a hard work ethic and strong core values that continues to guide be through life. I think a great leader should lead with action and set a positive example to the surrounding people.
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ReplyDeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteAfter learning the 5 levels of leadership it was immediately apparent to me that I needed to start at level 1, which is position. My focus this year has been absorbing and learning as much as possible to be successful though probation and set a solid foundation for the years to come. Now that I am nearing the end of probation, I believe developing relationships, maintaining strong work ethics and honing my skills of the job will improve my influence as a leader.
A-Rod, you are on the right path. Never stop learning and growing. Build those relationships and keep that strong work ethic. Good job buddy.
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