I attended a business seminar about 8 years back, to which the speaker addressed the concept of leadership and vision. The key note speaker roughly said, “when you are a race car driver and you are driving 200 mph around a track, you are not focused on the wall, rather the finish line. If you focus on the wall, that is where you will drive.”
After watching Dr. Pumpian’s presentation for this week, the previous quote popped into my head. In short, it made more sense. I have always understood the idea of take your eye of the prize and you won’t get it, meaning you may fail. But, in light of Dr. Pumpains presentation, it added further depth to what I never truly thought. Being a leader is always about looking ahead and help guide those around you, whether it be staff or students. While I know I do lead, I believe that I can do better.
Leaders never settle and say that they are good or are happy with where they desire to be, they are always looking to improve. However this is where I hit a wall! Dr. P said leaders should always be looking ahead with the “End” in mind, but what determines the “end.” What ensures that the “End” is good enough! Other than death, nothing is final. Great leaders should always be striving to be the best and to lead by example. I believe this is an ongoing commitment and choice a leader actively makes.
While I know and am confident that my Fire Science program continues to improve and grow, I have not been the best leader. I tell my students to obtain perfection, as that is what I expect. I hold myself and them to a higher standard, but of late, I am struggling to meet the scholastic standard for this program.
I know this is probably a lot more than needed to be said, but if my program has standards for students, then I as an instructor must excel. As I am currently behind, I feel guilt and this is not a good representation of who I am. In Dr. Pumpains presentation, he spoke about the difference between beliefs and actions and how this shows the reliability of a persons character. That being said, I need to step my game up. But being a leader means understanding and my current predicament has made me stronger.
The experience of juggling my wife's pregnancy and working more to ensure my families financial requirements are met can be considered admiral. But how does this affect my leadership. All I can say is that I have a few things in mind. First, my students are in high school and are focused on graduating. I am working on my masters degree and experiencing the same. If anything this experience has made me closer to my students. This is the first time in my life, I have been stuck. I now realize some of the troubles or obstacles that get in the way. I have a pregnant wife and I am working more. Some of my students are the caretakers to younger siblings or grandparents and while different, I am can relate to what they are experiencing. Isn’t that what leadership is about? To have learned by experience and to support those who you help and support along the way.
Regarding the growth of Fire Technology at Health Sciences High, I am pleased to report that my vision and goals are aligning. While I don't have an “END” in sight, as I want to continue to expand and build upon this program, I am so happy to partnered with Poway Fire. My students now have the opportunity to train at one of California’s premier fire training facilities. Poway Fire spent over three million dollars developing this facility and because of the hard work and dedication of the students, we are now able to train at this facility once a month. Moreover, I am actively working on bridging my program with Miramar College. Not only do I want students to earn college credit, but I want the HSHMC Fire Program to be recognized around the nation. The program and the opportunities the Fire Technology Internship creates are life changing. I wish all students had the ability to experience something so beneficial.
I have a lot of work to get done and sometimes I struggle, but I am “reliable” a strong “character” and my word to commit and complete the work is “Authentic.” I thank you for allowing me to reflect!
Nick
After watching Dr. Pumpian’s presentation for this week, the previous quote popped into my head. In short, it made more sense. I have always understood the idea of take your eye of the prize and you won’t get it, meaning you may fail. But, in light of Dr. Pumpains presentation, it added further depth to what I never truly thought. Being a leader is always about looking ahead and help guide those around you, whether it be staff or students. While I know I do lead, I believe that I can do better.
Leaders never settle and say that they are good or are happy with where they desire to be, they are always looking to improve. However this is where I hit a wall! Dr. P said leaders should always be looking ahead with the “End” in mind, but what determines the “end.” What ensures that the “End” is good enough! Other than death, nothing is final. Great leaders should always be striving to be the best and to lead by example. I believe this is an ongoing commitment and choice a leader actively makes.
While I know and am confident that my Fire Science program continues to improve and grow, I have not been the best leader. I tell my students to obtain perfection, as that is what I expect. I hold myself and them to a higher standard, but of late, I am struggling to meet the scholastic standard for this program.
I know this is probably a lot more than needed to be said, but if my program has standards for students, then I as an instructor must excel. As I am currently behind, I feel guilt and this is not a good representation of who I am. In Dr. Pumpains presentation, he spoke about the difference between beliefs and actions and how this shows the reliability of a persons character. That being said, I need to step my game up. But being a leader means understanding and my current predicament has made me stronger.
The experience of juggling my wife's pregnancy and working more to ensure my families financial requirements are met can be considered admiral. But how does this affect my leadership. All I can say is that I have a few things in mind. First, my students are in high school and are focused on graduating. I am working on my masters degree and experiencing the same. If anything this experience has made me closer to my students. This is the first time in my life, I have been stuck. I now realize some of the troubles or obstacles that get in the way. I have a pregnant wife and I am working more. Some of my students are the caretakers to younger siblings or grandparents and while different, I am can relate to what they are experiencing. Isn’t that what leadership is about? To have learned by experience and to support those who you help and support along the way.
Regarding the growth of Fire Technology at Health Sciences High, I am pleased to report that my vision and goals are aligning. While I don't have an “END” in sight, as I want to continue to expand and build upon this program, I am so happy to partnered with Poway Fire. My students now have the opportunity to train at one of California’s premier fire training facilities. Poway Fire spent over three million dollars developing this facility and because of the hard work and dedication of the students, we are now able to train at this facility once a month. Moreover, I am actively working on bridging my program with Miramar College. Not only do I want students to earn college credit, but I want the HSHMC Fire Program to be recognized around the nation. The program and the opportunities the Fire Technology Internship creates are life changing. I wish all students had the ability to experience something so beneficial.
I have a lot of work to get done and sometimes I struggle, but I am “reliable” a strong “character” and my word to commit and complete the work is “Authentic.” I thank you for allowing me to reflect!
Nick