Igniting the Leader Within
Mike Staley
1998
This book is by a man who overcame extraordinary difficulties in his life when a tragic accident in the course of his duties as a fire rescue worker left him physically unable to perform in his chosen profession. He is now a lecturer and writer, and in this book he covers the subject of career advancement in Emergency Services.
Starting out using the great and versatile Benjamin Franklin as an model for for the reader, Mr. Staley gently introduces the idea that leadership is not something granted by another entity. Instead, it comes from inside a person who either has or develops certain abilities, which he then goes on to enumerate and clarify with examples.
Throughout the book, the author explores the qualities we admire in those who lead us and the qualities needed to help us advance in our careers, or even to just work better within our respective organizations. Many of the pitfalls in career advancement are explored, including the difficulties of moving into positions of authority over our co-workers, and overcoming misunderstandings of ourselves and others. The problems of working in the somewhat inflexible milieu of government service in a paramilitary organization are discussed. Other than these points, the information transmitted via this book would be valuable for any worker wanting to lead in any organization, even in the private sector.
I'm a new firefighter and doubt that I'll be moving up the career ladder for quite awhile; however, having read this, I feel like I know what I need to work on so that I may someday take my place leading people in a satisfying career in the fire service. I hope that those who are leading me have as much sense and knowledge as the author!
You can read more about the author and his business as a motivational speaker at
his website.
