July, 2023 - Firefighter Brad

Out there in the heat and smoke of wildfires, leadership isn’t about rank—it’s about stoking a different kind of fire: the fire within. As a firefighter and leader, I’ve seen that the strongest fires aren’t the ones we battle in the wilderness, but those we ignite in ourselves and others. Let’s break down these fires using the acronym FLAMES—Focused, Loyal, Adaptable, Motivated, Educated, and Strong.

FOCUSED: The North Star

When fighting wildfires, distractions can be lethal. You’ve got to be focused, like a laser beam. You can’t afford to lose sight of your goals. As a leader, I carry that same focus into my work. Whether in the bush or boardroom, we’ve got to keep our eyes on the prize and not let setbacks knock us off course. Focus is the North Star guiding us through the darkness.

LOYAL: Backing Your Mates

In the thick of a fire, you’ve got to trust your team. That’s where loyalty comes in. We watch each other’s backs, no questions asked. Leadership is no different. Stick by your team, and they’ll stick by you. That’s how you build a group that’ll walk through fire together, in the bush or business.

ADAPTABLE: Reading the Wind

A change in wind direction can turn a controlled burn into an out-of-control blaze. Being adaptable is crucial on the fire line—it’s all about staying ahead of the game. In leadership, the winds of change are always blowing. We’ve got to be ready to adjust our plans, strategies, and even our goals at a moment’s notice.

MOTIVATED: The Drive to Keep Going

When you’re out in the field, fighting a fire that just won’t quit, you’ve got to dig deep. It’s that internal fire, that motivation, that keeps you going. It’s the same in leadership. When times are tough, a leader’s job is to keep that fire burning in their team, to keep pushing towards the finish line.

EDUCATED: Knowledge Fuels Action

Fighting wildfires isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about understanding the fire’s behavior, reading the environment, predicting what’s going to happen next. That’s where being educated comes in—it gives you the tools to make smart, effective decisions. As leaders, we must continually learn and grow, equipping ourselves with knowledge to make the best decisions for our teams and organizations.

STRONG: More Than Muscle

When you’re hauling hoses and equipment, physical strength matters. But the strength required to face down a roaring fire is more than just muscle—it’s mental grit. It’s about standing firm in the face of adversity, refusing to back down. Leadership demands the same kind of strength. You’ve got to have the grit to weather the tough times and lead your team through to the other side.

In the end, fighting fires and leading in times of change have more in common than you might think. It all comes down to kindling the right kind of fires—the ones that make us and our teams Focused, Loyal, Adaptable, Motivated, Educated, and Strong.

As a firefighter, I’ve faced numerous wildfires, each a ferocious and unpredictable beast that threatens everything in its path. With every fire I have fought, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about life, leadership, and the human spirit. But perhaps one of the most profound revelations has been that the most transformative fires aren’t always the ones we physically combat, but those we kindle in others.

Fire, in its raw power and intensity, can be seen as a destructive force. Yet, from another perspective, it’s also a symbol of courage, passion, and transformation. And it is this symbolism that I find particularly relevant in my role as a leader. While my physical battles may be with the blazes that ravage our landscapes, my philosophical battles – and victories – lie in igniting a different kind of fire: the fire within.

The spark of courage that compels us to face the unpredictable is the first flame I aim to ignite. Courage, in the face of rapidly evolving situations like a wildfire, is a testament to human resilience. It’s about pushing boundaries, stepping out of comfort zones, and taking calculated risks despite the uncertainty of outcomes. This spark is the starting point. It’s what turns an ordinary person into a firefighter, ready to confront the flames. And it’s what transforms an average team member into a proactive contributor, eager to face the challenges that come their way.

Next, we fan the blaze of determination. Determination is the engine that keeps us going against all odds. When a wildfire roars towards you, it’s determination that keeps you firmly planted, hose in hand, strategy in mind. In a similar vein, determination in a team can help overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It’s what keeps us moving forward, striving for excellence, regardless of how many times we’re knocked back.

Finally, we nurture the glow of unity. In a wildfire, team efforts trump individual heroism. The collective strength of a crew working in harmony can quell the most ferocious blaze. In an organization or any group scenario, the same holds true. The glow of unity, the sense of belonging and common purpose, can drive remarkable results. It fosters a supportive environment where each member’s strengths are recognized, utilized, and celebrated.

Every battle against a wildfire is a reminder that our role as leaders extends beyond just extinguishing the threats that arise. We are not just fire quenchers, but fire starters, tasked with igniting the flames of courage, determination, and unity in our people. It’s equally about fuelling the inner fires that empower, inspire, and propel us forward.

But remember, just as a wildfire needs the right conditions to ignite and spread, so do these inner fires. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to create a nurturing environment that allows these sparks to catch, to flame, and to grow. It means fostering an atmosphere of trust, where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures. It means promoting open communication, where ideas are freely shared and valued. It means leading by example, displaying the very traits of courage, determination, and unity that we aim to ignite in our teams.

Leadership, much like firefighting, isn’t a static skill—it’s an ever-evolving practice. The landscapes may change, the winds may shift, but the core tenets remain the same. In every encounter, whether with a raging bushfire or a challenging team dynamic, our purpose is clear: to combat the fires that threaten, and more importantly, to ignite the fires that empower.

So, as we face the flames – both literal and figurative – let’s remember the true transformative power of fire. Let’s remember that we’re not just here to douse flames, but to start them. Let’s remember to ignite the fire within.

This is a lesson from the frontlines. This is a lesson from the heart of the blaze. And this is a lesson for every leader who, just like a firefighter, has the power to ignite change, one spark at a time.

#IgniteInspiration #FireWithin #Leadership