Follower/Aspiring Leader

Takes responsibility for personal actions and decisions

Becomes competent in basic job skills

Takes initiative and learns from others

Asks questions and develops their communication skills

• Read the Individual Development Plan Guide.
• Speak with your supervisor about your agency's formal IDP process.
• Start your Self Development Plan Worksheet.
• Become familiar with the Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles.
• Become familiar with Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.
• Select and read a book from the Professional Reading Program
• Attend the L-180 Human Factors course. (online)
• Lead a small group discussion on a familiar topic such as pump or chainsaw operations or safety session.

New Leader
Accepts responsibility, not only for their own actions, but for those of their team

Understands organizational structures (ICS and agency)

Demonstrates proficiency in job skills as a leader

Asks questions in order to learn from others

Establishes a relationship with a mentor

• Review and update your Self Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read and discuss Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.
• Select and read a book from the Professional Reading Program annually.
• Attend the L-280 Followership to Leadership course.
• Obtain and review your agency organization chart.
• Attend next formal course in your ICS function.
• Do a Crew Cohesion Assessment for your crew.
• Seek a temporary assignment on a different type of crew.
• Serve as a unit instructor for a fire training course at your home unit.
• Research and present to your crew a historic fire, near miss, incident review, etc.

Leader of People
Demonstrates expertise in job skills

Develops credibility and reputation

Develops own ideas

Mentors New Leaders

• Review and update your Self Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read and discuss Leaders We Would Like to Meet.
• Read at least two books annually from the Professional Reading Program.
• Attend the L-380 Fireline Leadership course.
• Attend the next formal course in your primary ICS function.
• Attend an entry level course in another ICS function.
• Be the lead instructor for a fire training course at your home unit.
• Become a proficient facilitator of After Action Reviews.

Leader of Leaders
Demonstrates breadth of experience

Provides direction in situations with significant consequence

Shares ideas for the broader organization

Mentors Leaders of People

• Review and update your Self Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read and discuss Communicating Intent.
• Read at least three books annually from the Professional Reading Program.
• Attend the L-381 Incident Leadership course.
• Attend formal training in your primary and secondary ICS functions.
• Write an article for an agency or professional publication.
• Become a proficient facilitator in Tactical Decision Games.

Leader of Organizations
Influences organizational decisions

Anticipates and plans for future operations

Mentors promising Leaders of Leaders for key roles in the organization

• Review and update your Self Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read the monthly Wharton Leadership Digest.
• Read at least four books annually form the Professional Reading Program.
• Attend the L-480 IMT Leadership course.
• Attend formal training in your primary and secondary ICS functions.
• Attend a NWCG Committee meeting as a guest.
• Be a lead instructor at a Geographic Area Training Center.
• Design and conduct a Staff Ride.
• Attend L-580 Leadership is Action.