Unquestionable Leadership August 2014 By Marvin Hart Chief Officer Indian River State College Fire Academy Part II Line of Demarcation I cannot recall, in my career, anyone who decided to become a leader with the intent of wreaking havoc on the lives of others. Regrettably, I am certain you and I can remember a great number of people who started their career by heading in the right direction, but somewhere along the way made a wrong turn. To determine at what point in their journey the transition to the right or to the left took place would be problematic to say the least, but I do believe that there is an invisible line that has been drawn through the fundamental core of humanity by those who have forgotten who they are and where they have come. When lines are drawn and sides are chosen, our jobs become more difficult to perform. The consequences that come from the limitations that are imposed by both labor and management, in most instances, will dictate the way we do business. Unfortunately, the numbers are few and far between who are willing to step up to the plate and do something about it. One of the greatest accolades anyone can ever receive from a superior officer is that they are the conscience of administration. To see an individual forcefully exercise his or her position to prove a point can be extremely painful. There is little if any question in the back of my mind that those who have assumed positions of authority should not, in any way, project a passive or submissive leadership style as well. Then again, there is a great deal of difference between a resilient leader and the fainthearted, a person who is reasonable and one who is not. We must remember to be cautious when dealing with controversial issues. There are three specific words I will go out of my way to avoid when dealing with provocative issues: ➢ Accuse ➢ Condemn ➢ Criticize The use of one or more those words will most assuredly suppress the opportunity to resolve any differences that may exist between yourself and the opposition. It is important that we remember that we have the ability to keep the door of communication open or slam it shut; the choice is ours. Much like the adage you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar, so it is with people; they respond much better when you talk to them and not down at them. Lines of demarcation can be drawn quickly and swiftly overnight or slow and elusive over a period of time. At one point everyone is congenial and in agreement, brothers, sisters and friends committed to one common cause then suddenly, during an impulsive moment, a tactless word is spoken, a careless gesture is made, and a line is drawn by assumptions, and all that for what? If we are not careful in the manner in which we present ourselves, a giant wave of suspicion, doubt, and skepticism will consume us leaving in its wake no room for loyalty, respect or trust. When others do not share the same viewpoint or ethical standards, it is easy to draw a line of prominence that will distinguish us from them. You and I must remember that we are no better or worse than they are, and that the only difference between us is our point of view. When the line of demarcation begins to materialize, and the obnoxious head of “us” and “them” begins to rise up from among us, our values and agendas begin to take on new implications. Undistinguishable, vague and yet powerful, the line of demarcation is very real and will not go away if ignored. The presence of bitterness and hostility will escalate rapidly to the point that it will eventually spin out of control. Outwardly, it may appear to be business as usual, but inwardly the heart and mind are changing. The values that once held the organization together will begin to diminish along with long term relationships that are infected with the biases that divide and pull us apart. With flags raised and alliances declared, there is little, if any, comfort in knowing that a point of view has been made when relationships are lost. What could have been an incredible journey to higher levels of achievement becomes an arduous trail covered with threats, fears and endangerments, leading to an abrupt precipice that is camouflaged with hidden agendas and self-serving attitudes; it is there within the dark hole of animosity and despair that many promising careers have vanished. Now that the line of demarcation has been drawn, there are many reasons why people choose to stand on one side or the other. It may be their allegiance, conviction, prominence or ignorance, but whatever the motivation, the feeling of distance and separation is very real to the point it can be overwhelming. Making sound decisions when adversity is present is of great importance, especially when lines have been drawn by sentiments and perceptions. The choices that are going to be made during a period of resentment and aggression may or may not be in the best interest of the entire organization, but if you and I can agree that the men and women above, below and on the same plane with us have value, that the possibility of working together for a common cause is viable, then there is still hope, and we are far better off than most. Let me ask you a question. When others see you coming, do they turn and walk away or are they drawn to you like opposite poles on a magnet? I am not talking about popularity or status rather; I am referring to an individual who leads by example and has earned the respect and confidence of others. As you well know, it is not the outward appearance that makes a person who or what they are, it is what is on inside that counts. Regardless how hard you try to ignore the pain and resentment from the words and actions of others that cannot be recanted, if there is any consolation it is this, you can still make a difference. One of the most impeccable traits of a person who is known to be a leader of integrity is the fact that he or she values relationships more than personal gain, and that there is always hope in the presence of adversity. Every thing we do in life that counts has value. To preserve, protect and nurture it we must be willing to give up something. The question is, what are you holding on to that will bring reconciliation and stability to a person or organization that is off course. It may be pride, power, superiority or prestige, but whatever it is, giving it up will not be easy. Nothing in life worth fighting for comes easy. There is a small quiet voice in the back of our mind that keeps us focused and on track. If we are willing to stop and listen to it carefully, we will not miss the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. There are many people who have a hard time getting up each morning in lieu of the fact they know what is in store for them that day. Much like standing in the middle of a minefield peppered with self-serving attitudes, personal agendas, political correctness, pride, and the list goes on, there is a way out, but as I mentioned before it will not be easy. Giving up something that has become a fundamental part of your life like the land mines listed above may be one of the most difficult things you have ever done, but it will be worth it. There are people looking for the slightest hope that things will get better and that they will find meaning and purpose in their life once again. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference. Step out of your comfort zone and seize the moment! Be the champion and guardian you were meant to be and begin the healing process today. Demonstrate to yourself and to others that you are worthy of the status, unquestionable leader.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:33:44 +0000
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