Listen, learn ... then lead

We must begin mentoring the next leaders of our departments. We must begin teaching our current members everything we know because some day they will sit in our seats.

You must ask yourself who is the next Lt's, Capt's, BC, DC, Asst. Chiefs etc in your department? Who is next for your seat? When you have that answer take them under your wing and mentor them and LEAD!!

I came across something that is a must watch video for every current or future leader (which is every one of you reading this!) Four-star General Stanley McChrystal shares what he learned about leadership over his decades in the military. How can you build a sense of shared purpose among people of many ages and skill sets? By listening and learning -- and addressing the possibility of failure.

It is a constant struggle to find the right balance, build trust and build relationships on respect, but we must start NOW!

We must start now for the future leaders of the fire service and we all can learn a little if we listen to Leaders like General McChrystal

http://www.ted.com/talks/stanley_mcchrystal.html

Go make it safe!