Teamwork
Leadership Under Pressure – General Meade’s Unexpected Promotion
On June 28, 1863, just days before the Battle of Gettysburg, Major General George G. Meade was abruptly awakened and informed that he was now in command of the Union Army of the Potomac. The previous commander, Major General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker, had submitted a letter of resignation to President Abraham Lincoln and General…
Read MoreLeadership Lessons from the Civil War – The Cost of Personal Conflict
The Civil War offers many leadership lessons, particularly regarding the dangers of personal conflict among leaders. The Union Army of the Potomac experienced firsthand how leadership dysfunction at the highest levels of the command structure led to profound consequences, most notably after the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia. One prime example is Major General Joseph “Fighting…
Read MoreRecognizing and Resolving Unhealthy Team Conflict, Part 2
In Part 1, I wrote that leaders need to exercise discernment when subordinates ask questions because not every question is an automatic indication of conflict. General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.” This requires a greater familiarity of your team members and an understanding of human…
Read MoreRecognizing and Resolving Unhealthy Team Conflict, Part 1
It has been said that human beings are perfectly imperfect. Consequently, team conflict is inevitable. However, not all conflicts are bad. In fact, healthy debate and honest disagreement can lead to innovation and stronger team dynamics. Nevertheless, when conflict becomes toxic, it damages morale, reduces productivity, and creates a hostile work environment. As a leader,…
Read MoreThe Williams Street Fire and Communication
When I was a firefighter in the Air Force, one of the bases I was stationed at was Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the last name of a good friend of mine from the fire department was Williams. Hiss family often invited me to their house for supper, and oddly…
Read MoreThe Power of Clear Communication: Why It Matters and How to Improve It
Effective communication is the foundation of any successful interaction, whether in your fire department, during a public education event, or at home. Clear communication allows people to share ideas, understand one another, and collaborate efficiently. Even though this sounds simple, effective communication is frequently complicated. Why is Clear Communication Important? Clear communication is vital because…
Read MoreFlying Into 2025
This week we celebrate the New Year of 2025. Are you reflecting on 2024 before flying into 2025? Why should you even bother to take the time to mull over the year? To grow we need to reflect on where we have been, what we have experienced, and what we have learned from those experiences.…
Read MoreThe Rising New Year
I took the above photo during a half-day fishing trip that departed from Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The sun was rising, the fishing poles were ready, and the lines were not tangled up. In less than a month, 2025 will be the rising new year. What will the next twelve months look like for each…
Read MoreLeadership in a Bottle
The product label reads, Liquid Leadership: Guaranteed to Fix All Your Leadership Needs! Do you desire more responsibility on the job or a promotion to the next level in your organization? But you are not sure that your leadership skills measure up and you do not know how to fix the problem. Well…I have the…
Read MoreDo You Have Endurance?
The Marine Corps leadership traits define endurance as, “The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship.”1 Think about the following scenarios: These scenarios and others demand both mental and physical stamina to successfully perform the various tasks that confront firefighters. Leaders set the example of endurance. Are…
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