Drill by Forest Reeder
Perspectives on Leadership and Motivation
Many of us are drawn to a particular fire service leader, military hero, political figure or even a local member of your family or community for inspiration and vision. You might remember a trait, quote, style of conversation, or problem-solving method that has stuck with you. This exercise asks you to look back at the people or role models that have shaped your career in this great profession.
Page 2 of this exercise asks you to identify one or more of the people who have shaped who you are as an officer. From those people, try to remember or research a quote, phrase or principle that has guided you to your position. Also, list out the traits that make you identify with them (the books call it identification power).
Drawing from fire service and non-fire service (sports, military, political, actors) leaders, develop your personal leadership statement and answer the set of introspective questions about you as a leader of a company of firefighters.
Download this training drill as a PDF HERE.
- Firefighter Training Drill: Officer Development: Standing Orders
- Firefighter Training Drill: Officer Development: Expectations
- Firefighter Training Drill: Officer Development: The First Hour Exercise
Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1979. He currently serves as Division Chief of Training & Safety for the Des Plaines (IL) Fire Department. He is a past recipient of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) prestigious George D. Post Instructor of the Year award and has been responsible for the design, implementation and coordination of in-service firefighter training activities as well as a full-service fire training academy program. Forest holds numerous Illinois fire service certifications and holds a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.
