Originally published in the June 2003 Issue of Link & Learn.

Introduction

Given the tumultuous and uncertain climate of the world today, it is not only critical for leaders and organizations to meet their business goals, but it is also imperative that we get back on track with our core values. Today's leader must be well-rounded, committed to both the success of his/her team and business -- as well as that of the surrounding community. An essential step in the process of developing our next generation of leaders is to join together the business arena with the community arena -- to make both a priority. We need to provide leaders with opportunities to become a more compassionate and socially responsible -- qualities that are crucial to being a great business leader.

Our current leaders represent a diverse community -- not just the Desmond Tutu's and Henry Kissinger's of the world, but leaders just like yourself, working hard to achieve success on all levels -- both professionally and personally. As an inspiration to individuals aspiring to become a leader today, the following story depicts the plight of a woman, Carmen Lamar, who committed to helping her community -- one very much in need. Through this community experience, Carmen not only became a more compassionate and socially responsible leader, but also was able to apply her learnings to further her success in the business world. Following is Carmen's story, told in her own words…

Lessons from a Socially Responsible Leader

I have two sharply contrasting images of my current home-state, Colorado. The first includes soaring mountain ranges, wild-flower hikes in the high country, powder skiing… all that fantastic stuff. The other image is quite different, including: fleeing my home in the middle of the night with my family (including my ten-day-old son) as a fire rages next door in 70 MPH winds, and the charred remains of the Buffalo Creek and Hayman fires that surround my daughter's Girl Scout camp.

Like many of us, I have been looking for some way to perform community service that is both meaningful and practical. When our fire chief asked me to become a volunteer firefighter last December, the "meaningful" part clicked. The practical part, however, presented some dilemmas for me.

With the thought of the challenges involved in fire-fighting, I initially said no. Although I'm in pretty good shape, I have asthma and don't relish the idea of spending my senior years connected to a respirator. Also, I had never before considered becoming a firefighter and there were all kinds of "I can't do this because…" phrases going through my head. But after much thought, talking with some experienced firefighters, and a few guilt trips, I decided to at least give it a try.

Training started in January. I never took chemistry or physics, so fire behavior, suppression, and safety practices were all new to me. The physical demands of the job involve removing victims from burning buildings, lugging charged hoses up and down stairs, and digging firelines in rough terrain. The work itself is dangerous, dirty, and exhausting. Yet it is also incredibly exciting.

Prior to my new firefighting experience, I have never been in a situation where leadership matters so much. The consequences are serious -- bad decisions can kill you. The Storm King Mountain Fire that erupted on July 6th, 1994, and killed 14 firefighters is a horrific example of poor leadership, organization, and teamwork. The lessons we are taught in the fire service that emerged from that tragedy are meaningful to any leader and of course critical to those who work in life safety situations. Communication and process are imperative.

In addition, different kinds of people volunteer for mountain fire departments. Some are students and some are retirees. We have doctors, mechanics, housewives, stockbrokers… you name it. The notion of team diversity plays out in every incident. In addition to the adrenaline rush inherent in the work, all of us are drawn together by the commitment to "do something that matters." However, the reality of emergencies that draw on volunteer crews is that you never know who will be on your team. Regardless, your own survival, as well as the survival of others, requires that you execute fast -- you pull together quickly, communicate extensively, plan, think, and act fast.

Becoming a volunteer firefighter not only gave me the opportunity to give back to my community - which was very much in need, but provided me with valuable connections and lessons that I am now able to apply directly to my business and further my success as leader. It has been an experience that is invaluable on so many levels.

1 John N. Maclean, Fire on the Mountain: The True Story of the South Canyon Fire. New York: William Morrow & Co, 1999.

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