CFA chief inspires Darren
A RUBY firefighter is one of 20 hand-picked volunteers from around the state working closely with CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson as part of a year-long leadership program.
Darren Hardacre, currently captain of the Ruby Fire Brigade, travelled to the Dandenong Ranges a few weeks ago for the program’s first face-to-face session.
The Chief Officer’s Leadership Development Program has been described as potentially life-changing, and Darren sees it as an opportunity to not only improve himself but also to pass skills on to his brigade.
“This was very different to other leadership development opportunities – it is more about personal development rather than a general approach,” he said.
“Having the chief spend the time to lead the program himself and spend that one-one-one time means a lot more than having it run by someone else.”
Chief officer Euan Ferguson said his program, which is based on reflection and discussion, was about building up a network of current and future leaders who are confident not only as a leader of a team, but in themselves as people.
“By understanding our values we can lead ethically and with forethought, respect and humility,” he said.
“It’s about being the best we can be. I encourage any of our members, whether or not they see themselves as a leader, to take opportunities to learn and improve.”
The chief officer maintains a personal leadership library and asks participants to read and understand the writings of historical greats such as Sir Ernest Shackleton and Sun Tzu.
The extended time frame for the program allow participants to track their development over the course of a year. It consists of three intensive weekend sessions backed up by take home study ‘missions’, the first of which asks participants to seek detailed feedback from family and co-workers on their strengths and weaknesses.
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