May 2017
FireNuggets, Inc
persons in the organization and who wrote and Given the specific circumstances, you may just
endorsed my evaluations, to get out from behind receive a warning. Green lights, yellow lights, red
their desks, walk around the building, introduce lights have a purpose. They’re visual rules for our
themselves to the employees and spend a few safety and well-being. Our life has green, yellow and
minutes with them. Ask a few questions and then red lights, too. No rules, too loose. Any port in the
listen. Make the time and take the time and do it at storm will suffice. Be a whiner or winner.
least once a month. “Oh no,” each said, “I can’t do
that.”The voice inside my head responded with
several abbreviated terms. I never suggested it
again. They both kept a low profile and never
“Learn to obey before you command.” - Solon
changed their daily routines. They were both
“ROAD,” Retired On Active Duty.” I suspect some
who read this will chuckle and nod agreement. Why
do I know this? Because many people I’ve known
have told me similar stories.
Don’t be a name dropper. Most folks don’t give a
rat’s behind about whom you know. What they care
about is what you know. Drop the name of a famous
or even infamous person to bring attention to
yourself in the hopes it will somehow elevate your
“You must grow like a tree, not a mushroom.”
Janet Erskine Stuart
standing in the eyes of your friends and associates?
“One Upmanship” it’s called. Feel the need to do it
to build the external, versus the internal, then it’s
(probably long past) time to conduct an honest,
Follow the rules. They’re meant for you, too.
objective analysis of your persona.
Arrogance is a silent career killer and can destroy
relationships and families... People know you’re the
‘Leader.’ You needn’t tell them or show them over
and over again. Company policy about
“Their facades are as flimsy as their business
cards.” - Lauren Martin
fraternization? Drinking and driving? Illegal
substances in your body or on your person? You Get out front and lead or move to the back of the
should hold yourself to an even higher standard. line (where you probably belong, anyway). Leaders
Follow the rules. We live in (what seems to be) an lead people, managers manage things; budgets,
upside down world. Some of the key core values of equipment, paper clips.
your Character---personal honor, courage, Have your promotion(s) achieved from merit,
compassion and dignity, can’t be bought and should
never be for sale. Simple example: Police officer
stops you for excessive speed. Sure way for a ticket:
offer a myriad of excuses that may have worked with
others I. e learned behavior. Don’t accept you were
wrong...whine. Ticket!! How ‘bout, “Yes officer, you
got me. I was speeding.” You never know, own up
and accept responsibility. You didn’t follow the rules.
By Firefighters, For Firefighters
dedication, discipline, focus, knowledge of your job
and the jobs of those around you? I’m not into
quotas. Or...are you another example of “The Peter
Principle?” People instinctively know from their
experiences, which equals intuition, if you’re a great
leader or not. The experienced and intuitive staff,
listen to what‘s said in the conference room or
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