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10 Tips To Staying Motivated During Challenging Times – Part 2
Posted On 16 May 2014
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It’s easy to lead when everything is going our way, but the honeymoon generally has a time frame and then those unforeseen challenges seem to pop up when we least expect it.
— Fire Chief Les Karpluk (Ret.)
Tip #8 – Build A Support Network
As a chief officer it is critical and challenging to maintain our motivation during the tough times.
We don’t have to face the challenge alone. Our pride and ego can get in the way of asking for help and suffering alone. It does not have to be this way.
When we grow as a leader, we should build our support network. It takes time to build a support network, and it’s important to have a fire-based and non-fire-based network.
Get out and join service clubs, volunteer, get involved in the community and build relationships. Your goal is to build a network of trusted advisors that you can count on during the challenging times.
When facing those tough times, pick up the phone, Skype, email, do what you need to do to reach out to your support network.
It’s very easy to feel like we are alone and on an island, but the reality is many have traveled the path before us and they are generally only too willing to help or listen.
We are all human and need our support network when things just aren’t going as planned. Reach out to them when you need help. It’s okay to do this. Really it is.
Tip #7 – Lead During The Tough Times
It’s very easy to focus on the tough times and lose sight of the big picture.
During the challenging times there can be the temptation to throw the towel in and surrender, but the tough times are just that … tough and they are a part of life.
How we deal with these challenges determines our character and our character is visible for all to see.
See the situation as it is, and have the courage and confidence to face the challenges head on and lead during the tough times. Grin and bear it, and realize that tough times are a part of being in the profession and leadership is required during the good and the bad times.
This step isn’t going to be easy, but character is built while leading through tough times.
Article photo provided by Chief Gord Schreiner
Find all 10 of Chief Karpluk’s tips here:
