I haven’t been able to think about much other than the fires in Los Angeles.
Like many of you, I have very close friends who have lost everything. They have a long road ahead figuring out insurance, whether or not to re-build, what kind of “school pods” to send their kids to.
As tragic as all of these stories are, I’m also struck by the heroic power of the first responders and how much they have to teach us all.
In fact, the study that changed my life and sent me on this path of helping people become great human leaders was focused on firefighters, and how those who were most dedicated to the ritual of the firehouse meal, saved more lives.
Think about that for a moment.
The firefighters who ate together saved more lives.
The firefighters who were most dedicated to each other—to their communities—saved more lives.
The firefighters who slowed down, put down their phones, and enjoyed themselves in the company of others—saved more lives.
Of course we feel helpless right now as we watch these harrowing images and listen to the heartbreaking stories of the fires.
But we’re not helpless. Not at all.
Maybe you just feel frustrated by the ordinary dramas of working with the people on your team, and while you may not see yourself as an heroic first responder, you probably feel like you’re putting out fires every day!
The great news is that we can all take our inspiration from the firefighters.
We can all become great human leaders, just by connecting with those around us. Simply reach out to employees on the West Coast, connect with your team over a meal, or thank your local fire department for the work they do every day.
Bringing your human to these challenging times is good for people, great for our communities, and just might change the world.
Stay safe.
p.s. Here’s a link if you are able to support the firefighters of the LA Fire Department who have been putting their lives on the line to battle these fires.
1/14/25
