May 2017
FireNuggets, Inc
their external apparel later. It’s the ‘internal apparel’ person relieved from their position because they
that’s important. When the relationship grows, you tried to B S their way through a briefing.
can tell them, “Blue. Green. Hazel.” They’ll ask you
quizzically, “What?” The color of your eyes,” you say.
“Never had anyone say that to me before” is one of
the replies I’ve received. “First time for everything,” I
“Honesty is a very expensive gift; don’t expect it
from cheap people.” Kushandwisdom
often reply. It’s not meant to be flirtatious but a
technique to help you connect on a basic human
level. I’ve used it for years and I’m amazed when
others are pleasantly surprised when I check their eye
color. It tells them I looked at their eyes and
connected. It’s also subtle sign of respect.
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Integrity is when you keep your word and work like
“H” to honor your agreements. Integrity’s a muscle,
use it or lose it. Your words and actions (nonverbal,
too) must be seamless. When a person asks you a
question or seeks more information, tell the truth.
“Eyes are captivatingly beautiful, not because of
the color but because of the words they hold
within.” - lilibaba.tumblr.com
Don’t be a bullshiter and back slapper. Most
people, who have any innate ability to gauge others’
“Truth stings. Lies hurt.” E.g. if you’re not a Veteran
and/or never served in a combat theatre, don’t
fabricate your resume to get hired or elected.
Politicians on both sides of the aisle, do you get
it...yet? Live by the mantra “A promise made is a
promise kept.”
words and intentions, can spot a phony-baloney,
good time rock ‘n roller almost immediately. Like me, “Live so that when your children think of fairness,
many who read this article know exactly of what I caring and integrity, they think of you.”
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
speak. It may be your ‘leader’ or immediate
supervisor, another employee (whose reputation
precedes them) a person you’ve known but haven’t
seen for months or years or…. (gasp) a family
member. Their attempts to be genuine are so
Don’t hide behind your desk and use it as a
“barrier.” Want to be a mushroom and have your
obviously forced, it can make you uncomfortable. staff throw ‘excrement’ over the walls to keep you
You just know they’re a phony. You sense they want ‘nourished?’ Have you created a culture where the
something from you; their words and actions don’t
ring true. There are hundreds of examples. Tip: learn
staff knows the last person to present you a proposal
that requires a decision is the decision that will be
to accept a certain amount of BS from people you made? They know that and will check with your
know. It’s not a lie per se, but a way to overcome secretary and try to be the last person you see. Get
their own perceived lack of confidence or a way to
cover for a their lack of knowledge on a subject or
out of your comfort zone, walk around the building(s)
and make unannounced visits with your staff. Do you
situation or an insidious way to get you to help them. know who cleans the building? Know all the staff at
Rather than be open and honest, they’ve learned to other locations? One of a few examples I
try and BS their way through...and wonder why
others don’t trust them. E.g. I’ve seen more than one
By Firefighters, For Firefighters
experienced: at the last organization where I was
employed, I suggested to two of the most senior
! of 38
5
!