top of page

Fostering a Culture of Safety Leadership and Ownership: Lessons from History and the Four C’s of Leadership


In the high-stakes environment of firefighting, the tale of Wagner Dodge in the 1949 Mann Gulch fire tragedy serves as a poignant lesson on the critical importance of leadership, particularly in the realm of safety. Dodge, a seasoned smokejumper, faced a dire situation with a rapidly approaching forest fire. He survived by lying in the center of his fire escape however, the rest of the team perished in the blaze. This incident emphasized the principle of effective safety leadership and the indispensable nature of ownership in every high-risk workplace.


The Four C's of Leadership

A leader's role transcends mere competence; it encapsulates the Four C's: Calm, Credible, Courageous, and Connected. These attributes are not just vital for individual prowess but are fundamental in cultivating a leadership style that fosters safety and trust within a team. Dodge, despite his competence (acting calm on the outside and being decisive on the inside) and courage, he lacked in areas that might have altered the fate of his team – particularly in being connected and credible in the eyes of his crew.


Firefighters controlling a forest fire.
Firefighters controlling a forest fire.

Connection: The Bedrock of Trust

The Mann Gulch tragedy illustrates a profound truth: competence without connection is insufficient. Dodge's unfamiliarity with his team and his belief that competence alone would suffice highlighted a critical oversight. Leadership, especially in safety-critical industries, demands a bond of trust and mutual respect. This trust is the foundation upon which safety cultures thrive or falter. By contrast, leaders like Major Dick Winters, whose leadership style embodied the Four C's, particularly connection, the difference in outcomes is stark. Winters’ approach fostered a cohesive "Band of Brothers," united by trust and mutual respect.


Ownership: A Cultural Imperative

Ownership in safety is not just about personal accountability but about cultivating an environment where each team member feels responsible not only for their safety but for the safety of their peers. This culture of ownership is rooted in the balance of courage and consideration, where leaders and team members alike are committed to the principle of "safe to keep me safe." It requires authentic engagement, mutual respect, and a proactive approach to safety leadership.


Authenticity and Humility: Keys to Effective Leadership

Authenticity emerges as a pivotal trait for leaders aiming to foster a safety ownership culture. It's about acknowledging fallibility, embracing humility, and being approachable. Dodge's perceived infallibility distanced him from his crew, eroding potential trust. Authentic leaders, conversely, recognize the value of connecting on a personal level, understanding team members' needs and aspirations, and building a culture where safety is everyone's priority.


Towards a Culture of Safety Leadership

The transition to a culture steeped in safety leadership and ownership hinges on embracing the Four C's, fostering authentic connections, and cultivating an environment of mutual respect and trust. It requires leaders who are not only competent but who also prioritize the well-being of their team above all. Safety professionals play a pivotal role in this transformation, advocating for practices that embed safety into the very fabric of organizational culture.


The Mann Gulch fire and its lessons serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of safety leadership and the critical role of connection and ownership in preventing tragedies. As safety leaders, championing these principles is not just a duty but a moral obligation to ensure that every team member returns home safely, every day. Safety is not just a protocol; it's a commitment to each other, driven by leaders who embody calm, credibility, courage, and connection.




Ken Chapman, PhD. and Tony Orlowski

Co-Authors, Safety Beyond The Numbers


 

What to Read Next

bottom of page