Follower/Aspiring Leader

• Takes responsibility for personal actions and decisions
• Becomes competent in basic job skills
• Takes initiative and learns from others
• Asks questions and develops their communication skills

• Read the Individual Development Plan Guide.
• Speak with your supervisor about your agency's formal IDP process.
• Start your Self-Development Plan Worksheet.
• Become familiar with the Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles.
• Become familiar with Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.
• Select and read a book from the Professional Reading Program.
• Attend the L-180 Human Factors course.
• Lead a small group discussion on a familiar topic such as pump or chainsaw operations or safety session.

New Leader

• Accepts responsibility, not only for their own actions, but for those of their team
• Understands organizational structures (ICS and agency)
• Demonstrates proficiency in job skills as a leader
• Asks questions in order to learn from others

• Review and update your Self-Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read and discuss Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.
• Select and read a book from the Professional Reading Program annually.
• Attend the L-280 Followership to Leadership course.
• Obtain and review your agency organization chart.
• Attend next formal course in your ICS function.
• Do a Crew Cohesion Assessment for your crew.
• Seek a temporary assignment on a different type of crew.
• Serve as a unit instructor for a fire training course at your home unit.
• Research and present to your crew a historic fire, near miss, incident review, etc. 

Leader of People

• Demonstrates expertise in job skills
• Develops credibility and reputation
• Develops own ideas
• Mentors New Leaders

• Review and update your Self-Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read and discuss Leaders We Would Like to Meet.
• Read at least two books annually from the Professional Reading Program.
• Attend the L-380 Fireline Leadership course.
• Attend the next formal course in your primary ICS function.
• Attend an entry level course in another ICS function.
• Be the lead instructor for a fire training course at your home unit.
• Become a proficient facilitator of After Action Reviews.

Leader of Leaders

• Demonstrates breadth of experience
• Provides direction in situations with significant consequence
• Shares ideas for the broader organization

• Review and update your Self Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read and discuss Communicating Intent.
• Read at least three books annually from the Professional Reading Program.
• Attend the L-381 Incident Leadership course.
• Attend formal training in your primary and secondary ICS functions.
• Write an article for an agency or professional publication.
• Become a proficient facilitator in Tactical Decision Games.

Leader of Organizations

• Influences organizational decisions
• Anticipates and plans for future operations
• Mentors promising Leaders of Leaders for key roles in the organization

• Review and update your Self-Development Plan Worksheet.
• Read the monthly Wharton Leadership Digest.
• Read at least four books annually form the Professional Reading Program.
• Attend the L-480 IMT Leadership course.
• Attend formal training in your primary and secondary ICS functions.
• Attend a NWCG Committee meeting as a guest.
• Be a lead instructor at a Geographic Area Training Center.
• Design and conduct a Staff Ride.
• Attend L-580 Leadership is Action.