Posts Tagged ‘fireofficer’
Why Do You Keep Interrupting Me?
The last two blog posts were titled, Are You Listening and Are You Practicing the Skill of Listening. This post addresses the rude and inconsiderate behavior of interrupting someone else while they are speaking. Mark Twain said, “There is nothing so annoying as to have two people talking when you’re busy interrupting.” Two Examples Unless…
Read MoreAre You Practicing the Skill of Listening?
The title of last week’s blog was Are You Listening? Listening is an active skill, and the process goes far beyond staring at the other person when they are speaking. In his book, Situational Awareness for Emergency Response, Dr. Richard B. Gasaway writes, “The act of listening requires a substantial amount of cognitive horsepower.” He…
Read MoreAre You Listening to Me?
Recently, I had the opportunity to teach a class to a group of singles in our church and the topic was anger. I asked, “What makes you angry?” Some of the answers included things, other drivers, little/older siblings, and not listening. Not listening Why does this happen and what prevents people from listening to someone…
Read MoreThe Timing of Decision-Making
The statue in the photo above is of General George S. Patton, Jr., taken in front of the General Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit, California. Patton, known as “Blood and Guts,” was one of the greatest generals in American history and he knew how to make decisions. The Importance of Timing Most people won’t…
Read MoreDo You Want to Be a Successful Decision-Maker?
Think back to the last time you and a group of friends tried to decide where to eat. You asked, “What are you hungry for?” or “Where do you want to go?” Do you remember the ten-minute debate that ate away at your lunch break? Why is it so hard to make a simple decision?…
Read MoreDecisions: “The Most Difficult Part of My Work…”
“The most difficult part of my work is acting without correct information on which to predicate action.”¹ These words, written by Major General George G. Meade on July 6, 1863, capture the challenge of leadership and decision-making under uncertainty. Fresh from the Battle of Gettysburg, Meade understood that leaders often make decisions with incomplete information,…
Read MoreCollaborative Decision-Making: The Key to Success
In high-pressure situations, success often hinges on collaborative decision-making, experience, and efficient execution. These three elements, when combined, create a powerful formula for achieving goals, whether on the scene of an emergency or within your team and organization. The Power of Collaboration Collaboration is more than just working together; it’s about aligning efforts toward a…
Read MoreWould You Enter a Toxic Atmosphere Unprotected?
Imagine walking into a thick, choking cloud of chlorine gas without any protection. That would be absurd and insanely crazy unless you had a death wish. Chlorine is immediately dangerous to life and health at just 10 parts per million, and when it contacts moisture, it forms hydrochloric acid, which is damaging to the human…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Insubordination – The Cost of Sickles’ Defiance
One of the most tragic consequences of leadership conflict in the Civil War occurred on July 2, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg. The commanding general of the Army of the Potomac’s Third Corps, Major General Daniel Sickles, a controversial figure with a history of scandal, openly defied orders from General Meade. Meade had instructed…
Read MoreLeadership 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…
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