As I have progressed through the ranks of the military and the fire service, I have learned there are two types of leaders among the ranks: those who lead negatively with a “do as I say and not as I do” attitude, producing a lack of cohesion with team members and having the inability to share positive leadership paths to subordinates. In contrast,  there are those who lead positively, having integrity, empathy, and a priority of building future leaders. While negative leadership most often results in toxic, dysfunctional environments, positive leadership strengthens team unity and builds future leaders in the succession chain while meeting the goals of the organization they serve. As I began to promote through the ranks of the fire department organization, I sought positive leadership models to mimic and shared my learning experiences with those who served under me. 

Positive leadership develops the leaders of the future.

Being under the guidance of strong and confident leaders has influenced the qualities I strive to embody as a leader in my own career. These qualities include loyalty, respect, selfless service, and the ability to direct subordinates in the right direction of developing their own leadership paths. Regardless of the organization or rank structure, I have been privileged to be under the leadership of strong minded and confident leaders, who have been forced to make difficult decisions in the line of duty. From the battlegrounds of Afghanistan to the fire grounds of Longview, TX, I have witnessed leaders perform in a way that I wish to emulate as I progress in my career of servitude. Working under these leaders I have learned to be confident in my decision-making skills, utilize a critical thought process, employ a culture that is contagious among our ranks, and encourage others to make the next step of leadership for our organization. These are the characteristics I want to build the foundation of my personal leadership on.