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?
I've read about differing ideas of mentoring. Most recently an article sent to the captain candidates. The commonality of the ideas were directed at the mentor. The most recent idea was directed to the mentee. This was interesting to me, in that the crux of the message was there was significant emphasis on the mentee to press in to the mentor and the process.
ReplyDeleteI believe a mentor has responsibility to the mentee's to be available to invest. But even more so, the mentor needs to have the ability to invest. I believe that I can only help someone to conquer or overcome challenges if I have done so. You cannot give what you do not have.
I have desired for, sought out and prayed to have a mentor in my life. I have yet to realize that desire/search/supplication. I have been fortunate to be able to learn from many leaders in my life. At times the lessons were taught by bad leaders and at times by good ones. Honestly, some of the lessons from bad leaders were learned much later in my leadership growth journey. What I mean is as I grew I was able to perceive things from the past from differing perspectives without the jading of judgement or immaturity. Additionally, some of the lessons from good leaders had deeper impact as I grew and matured as a leader. An example would be realizing just how much self-control one of my good leaders showed during difficult situations, which I didn't notice at the time.
I'm certainly a mentor to my children, nephews, niece and grandkids. Each of these at differing levels. I have and continue to mentor people through opportunities in church leadership. I strive to mentor the firefighters and engineers that have come on, or been promoted after me. My desire is to be a positive and beneficent influence on everyone that I work with, around and for.
I would say the "ideal" fire service mentor will look different to different people. This person would likely need to be competent, passionate, have compassion, be a good listener and communicator, be honest and unpretentious, resist self-deprecation/false humility, and generally comfortable in his/her own skin.
I agree that it can be very helpful to gain a broad perspective, from many different mentors. Along the way, we all learn a little "what to do" and "what not to do". Also, I think that we may be more or less open to learn, depending on our own maturity at the time. I have learned a great deal in the last couple of years, that perhaps I may have not understood when I was younger because I wasn't in the right place to understand...
Delete