by F. R. Montes de Oca
Leading a team can be frustrating and often stressful, but at the same time very rewarding. As a student of leadership, these are several leadership tips that I’ve learned over the years. These will help guide you on your leadership journey.
Demonstrate consistency in all you do. Be consistent in the way you handle challenges, successes, and failures. Those who work for you and with you depend on your measured, predictable demeanor. Before making a hasty decision, think of the outcome and consequences.
Be trustworthy. Personal trust is like a bank account. It may take you time to build trust with someone but lie or do something deceitful and their trust in you rapidly drops.
Leaders stay resilient during moments of hardship.
During the darkest moments, resiliency can help one to survive and thrive. As a leader, you will experience tragedy, failure, and disappointment. The need to be resilient is most critical during times of tragedy such as the loss of a department member or the after-effects of mass violence. If you choose to lead, a deep reservoir of resilience will help in your survival and success.
Practice humility. Successful leaders know when to show a little humility – especially when it allows the team to share in the limelight.
A little confidence goes a long way. Working in a profession that recruits and trains strong-willed men and women, leaders are surrounded by extremely self-confident team members. During operations when life-and-death decisions are necessary for one’s survival, confidence is often key to a positive outcome. However, there are times when confidence can be mistaken for arrogance. A fine balance of confidence and humility is always helpful… and respected.
Always practice honesty. Enjoy your accomplishments and leadership position. And within the role of your duties and interactions… be honest in all you do. In doing so, your influence builds other honest leaders.
Great leaders are great communicators. Practice communicating in your community!
Communicate every chance you get. The key to success as a leader is communicating to those who follow you and to those you follow. Make every effort to keep everyone on the same page so your team operates as a solid unit.
The moral of this story? 1) Learn from everyone. 2) Lead with your head and your heart. 3) Never demand more than you are willing to give.
Frank Montes de Oca served as a firefighter/paramedic for over 38 years attaining positions as Chief of EMS, Training Bureau Commander, and Chief of Department. He remains engaged in managing and developing firefighter safety programs and mentoring leaders.