Ignition of a fiery blaze requires heat, fuel and oxygen. Removing or modifying a single element will determine the path, size and potential for disaster.

A true leader does not run around putting out fires. They do not wait until the blazing disaster is scorching everything in its path. They do not close their eyes or bury their heads in the sand willing the inferno to dissipate. A true leader never adds fuel to the flame. 

Leading teams can at times be much like attempting to extinguish a wildfire. However, a true leader identifies the potential for combustion prior to the first flicker of a flame. They use the kindling that begs to burn to build better structures, rather than wait for it to ignite. The spark of frustration is snuffed out and replaced with the sparkle of innovative and creative thought. The air that once encouraged the suffocating smoke, now gives life to new ideas, fresh perspective, and better, more productive teams. The successful leader has perfected the art of using fire to sustain their team, rather than consume it.  

The functionality of our team members, leaders, and processes are the three key elements that determine whether we thrive and flourish, or go up in flames.  

The workforce is the fuel. They allow for explosive productivity, or devastating destruction. Utilize the people within the team to create the perfect assembly to achieve the goal. Some may be the kindling that ensures ignition, these are your work horses. They are consistent and dependable. They are happy in their job but can go up in smoke if their normal flow is impeded. Support the workhorse, making sure they know their value. 

Others will be the strong, thick material needed to keep your flames zealous. Your star team members appear to reach for the stars, just as the flying embers escape from its flames. They have the ability to be one heck of a bonfire, or the start of a forest fire. Direct and guide the star as their future power will have great impact. 

While not fuel, the core players on your team, represent the fire ring. They are stable and safe, they allow the business to achieve its goals. Without safety measures in place it is probable your campfire will take out the neighbors tent. 

The fuel matters, misuse or carelessness can disrupt the balance. Alone it is a piece of wood or other combustible material, but with the support of its other elements it will be invaluable.

The leaders bring the heat. They are required to bring the energy that will ignite the fuel. The amount and type of fuel will impact your results. Be cautious not to drown out the flames (micromanage). Remain consistent in order to prevent a chemical reaction. The role of the heat is quite simple once it has perfected and aligned with its fellow elements. 

It is a leader’s responsibility to create a team that can sustain itself without constantly being fed or watched. Leaders must always keep a pulse in the pit to ensure that the logs stay lit and be ready to help reinvigorate the flames in the event they begin to dwindle.

Our processes are the oxygen. They give life to the business, the customers, and to the people within the company. Without processes and procedures, our leaders and our teams will remain in a neutral state. Our processes drive us. They allow the team to use the skills they have learned from the leaders to achieve a task or goal. 

The wind may shift, causing the soot to blow your way. This is not a cause to put out the fire or to say hell with this process, but rather to find another vantage point that allows for visibility, accountability and sustainability. 

Victory is finding better ways to get the job by identifying areas for improvement BEFORE they become a problem. Success is found in the awareness of one’s surroundings, not just work flow, but human dynamics, outside influences, and being prepared to face the unknown. Leadership is taking the ingredients that cause a wildfire and utilizing them to heat the home rather than destroy it. 

Build the fires, don’t chase them.