myAIPMLeadership: Learn from the Astronauts
Michael Krebs | Firehouse
For inspiration and lessons in leadership, Michael Krebs says firefighters can learn from those who answered JFK’s challenge to land on the moon.
I believe people never should sell themselves short, but, unfortunately, in my 20 years in the fire service, I have seen many firefighters do exactly that. Admittedly, I even did it on occasion. These self-imposed limitations often come from a place of fear and involve trying to promote to a higher rank. I have thought and I heard others say such things as, “I can’t score high enough on the written examination” or “I can’t seem to overcome that assessment panel.” Unsurprisingly, this negativity can affect our ability to reach our full professional potential and to realize the dream of promoting.
I also often noticed firefighters, who are looking for inspiration and lessons in leadership, look only within the ranks of the fire service. Of course, there are many great examples of leadership in the fire service, and we should go to this well frequently for guidance and inspiration. However, I believe that it’s imperative for people, no matter what they do, to seek inspiration and guidance from many sources, not just from those who share the same career. When it comes to something as important as leadership, we should seek information from multiple sources.
I believe that these two issues are connected and, when people seek multiple sources of inspiration and advice on how to lead, they can improve their own leadership skills and abilities. They also can find the inspiration that’s needed to overcome whatever adversity that is stifling their ability to promote, to better themselves both personally and professionally, and to become an example of great leadership and a source of inspiration to their colleagues.
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Leadership: Learn from the Astronauts, Michael Krebs, Firehouse, 2021