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Leadership Self Development Plan
For Wildland Firefighters...a Lifetime of Learning

 

Self-Development Plan

Worksheet

No matter how long you work in the wildland fire service, being a successful firefighter means being a student of fire. Along your career
path you will have many opportunities to learn. A complete leadership development process will include formal training, challenging field experiences, and your own self-directed learning efforts. Use the table below as a guide for starting your self-development plan on the attached worksheet. All links below can be found in the Leadership Toolbox at www.fireleadership.gov.

Leadership Level Development Goals

New Leader
Takes reponsibility for actions and decisions

Learns the organizational systems

Asks questions in order to learn from others

Establish a relationship with a mentor

Read and discuss Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.
Begin reading suggested books from the Reading Program.
Attend the L-280 Followership to Leadership course.
Attend next formal course in your ICS function.
Do a Crew Cohesion Assessment for your crew.
Seek a temporary assignment on a different type of crew.

Leader of People
Demonstrates expertise

Develops credibility and reputation

Develops own ideas

Mentors New Leaders

Read and discuss Leaders We Would Like to Meet.
Read at least two books annually from the Reading Program.
Attend the L-380 Fireline Leadership course.
Attend the next formal S-course in your primary ICS function.
Attend an entry level S-course in another ICS function.
Be the lead instructor for a fire training course at your home unit.
Become a proficient facilitator of After Action Reviews.

Leader of Leaders
Demonstrates breadth of experience

Provides direction in situations with significant consequence

Shares ideas for the broader organization

Mentors Leaders of People

Read and discuss Communicating Intent.
Read at least three books annually from the Reading Program.
Attend the L-381 Incident Leadership course.
Attend formal training in your primary and secondary ICS functions.
Write an article for an agency or professional publication.
Become a proficient facilitator of Tactical Decision Games.

Leader of Organizations
Influences organizational decisions

Anticipates and plans for future operations

Mentors promising Leaders of Leaders for key roles in the organization

Read the monthly Wharton Leadership Digest.
Read at least four books annually from the Reading Program.
Attend the L-480 IMT Leadership course.
Attend formal training in your primary and secondary ICS functions.
Attend an NWCG Working Team meeting as a guest.
Be a lead instructor at a Geographic Area Training Center.
Design and conduct a Staff Ride.
 

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LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX REFERENCE
January 2008

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