It is described as the window to your soul. It may seem to be a minor theory but with close examination, if you are a Fire Service Leader, it is a concept you must grasp. As you stand in front of others and attempt to lead them, there are things you should know about yourself. Understanding yourself is the key to leading others. The objective is to learn as much as you can about yourself which enhances your self control. If you think you are fooling people then you need to think again. This is not about being overly concerned about what others think about you. This is mostly about the image you project and how it impacts your ability to lead.

If you are a paid leader then you have some things going for you that may help you overcome yourself when you get in your own way. Your formal authority will get you through most situations. As you rise through the ranks you need help and you need to ask others to help you see yourself as you are, or at best who you appear to be. Focus on understanding your self.

THE UNKNOWN SELF – There are things you are not aware of about yourself and that others do not know about you. Your habits, your idiosyncrasies, why you think the way you do and how you arrived at your point of view. The more you use self examination the smaller this window becomes and the better you can be at self improvement.

THE BLIND SPOT – Things people know about you but you are not aware of. If you record yourself while public speaking you may learn what others know about you that you wouldn’t know otherwise. When you are in conflict with another what are your facial expressions, when you get emotional how do you come accross? If you ask people their opinion about yourself, especially people you trust, you will make the blind spot smaller.

ARENA KNOWN TO SELF AND OTHERS – This is the ideal situation. Being transparent and predictable is the most potent position when it come to leadership. You want your subordinates to know how you would handle situations even when you are not around. This is the area in your life that you exercise the most effective self control.

MASK THE HIDDEN SELF – This defense mechanism is natural. We have to protect ourselves so we need to know our vulnerabilities. Learning why you put on a mask is important. To your own self be true. We make personal choices to expose ourselves to those we trust and somethings we find no one can be trusted. As long as we understand our motives that is the most important point in self examination.

We use management theory, principles and practices in our administrative and operational activities. Go to our Apply Now section and Join Us!!!! Come to 3900 Old Silver Hill Road on Mondays which is our training and drill night.