In our previous article we summarized the 7 principles that make up the EMPOWER model:
END-VISION MUTUAL VICTORY PROACTIVE ORGANIZE PRIORITIES WORKING TOGETHER EMPATHETIC LISTENING RECHARGE
This personal leadership model strengthens your soft skills and proves to be a game changer in your fire service career. In this first of 7 articles, we will concentrate on the importance of END-VISION.
"Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world." - Nelson Mandela
All successful accomplishments begin with having the end in mind. Builders know how the structure will look at the end before they even dig the foundation. Travelers know the destination before the journey. The artist knows how the picture will look before the canvas is touched. It's not wise to expect a successful outcome without end-vision. Personal leadership needs a strong direction and a clear vision. I've found the best way to not lose sight, is to develop a personal mission statement to support your end-vision. Once your end-vision is clear, then your personal mission statement will reveal itself, and developing a detailed road map will be needed to keep you on track.
“If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable”. -Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Life has many detours and distractions (its designed that way) but with a healthy end-vision no matter how much you get off course, a strong true north compass will always get things back on the path. This is why it’s critical to not only develop a strong mission statement, but study and follow it constantly. Leaders who master this principle enjoy success at higher levels than those who don’t see the importance. Life also changes as time passes, this is also a reason to study your personal mission statement regularly. Adjustments have to be made to change with the times. It’s important to develop a statement that’s flexible enough to adjust but doesn’t compromise your principles and foundation. For instance, you may be single when you first write your mission statement, but you will need to allow room for adjustments if you get married, have children, etc. You may be a rookie on the job when you write the mission statement, but as you are promoted through the ranks your priorities may need adjustment, though your guiding principles (compass) should not change.
Your mastered end-vision will be the best example for those who you influence; your team members, subordinates, family, community, etc. Teams need leaders with a clear vision of where they are going and a detailed plan on how to arrive. The best outcome would be for all on the team to have clear end-visions of their own. Clear direction for all members will not only create an unstoppable team, but will prepare them for advancement in career choice and quality of life. If you are the catalyst, developing life-long leaders not life-long followers is the best goal. The absolute beauty of personal leadership is not defined by promotions or how many people you’re in charge of. Successful personal leadership is defined about how successful you lead yourself. Some of the best leaders and pillars of organizations are not the people in charge; but the people who are clear about their direction, foundation, beliefs and their end-vision. Promotions, popularity and recognition as a leader are all icing on the cake, but remember, the icing is only as good as the cake. SOFT SKILLS MATTER!
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Larry Conley is the president and lead instructor of Leadership Development Concepts, LLC. He travels the country to present his popular and compelling program, ZERO TO HERO Personal Leadership (Powered by GLUE). The concept of GLUE (Growing Leaders Using Empowerment) was born in the fire service, where Larry successfully juggles many leadership roles.
Larry’s initiative and creativity are put to work in his roles as: Captain of the St. Louis Fire Department (Truck 13C); President of the Parkway Gardens Neighborhood Improvement Association; Chief Instructor for the Highlander Fire Academy St. Louis Community College at Forest Park; Director at Large for the ISFSI (International Association of Fire Service Instructors); President of the Supervisory Committee and Board Member St. Louis Firefighters Credit Union; and Co-Chair of the Fire Education Subcommittee Missouri Community College Association.
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