17th Executive Fire Officer Program Graduate Symposium June 1-3, 2005 Agenda

Welcoming Remarks

Keynote Presentation

(Keynote presenter is sponsored by the International Fire Service Training Association – Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University)

Leadership is a Choice! Not a Position
Commander Scott Waddle, USN (retired)

The Right Thing book cover by Commander Scott Waddle, USN (retired)At the age of 38, Scott Waddle was selected to become the Commanding Officer of USS Greeneville (SSN 772) an improved Los Angeles Class Fast Attack submarine in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. He was selected from a highly competitive field of specially trained and exceptionally skilled naval officers. The challenges Scott faced were staggering with extremely low morale and unacceptably high turnover. "A lot of people do whatever it takes to secure the next promotion. All I ever wanted to do in the navy was to command a ship. I did not care if I ever got promoted again. And that attitude enabled me to do the right things for my people instead of doing the right things for my career. Along the way, it was my people that created the results that ensured my next promotion." The solution was a system of beliefs that Scott calls Deck Plate Leadership. A process of replacing command and control with commitment and cohesion, by engaging the hearts, minds, and loyalties of workers – a belief that Scott achieves with conviction and humility. "The most important thing that a captain can do is to see the ship through the eyes of the crew." This meant interviewing every single person on his ship, from the most senior officer to the lowest recruit. It was an experience that began to generate invaluable ideas, often from unexpected sources. The ultimate test for Scott and his shipmates followed a tragic accident when the Greeneville, while at sea for a distinguished visitors day cruise, performed an emergency surface maneuver and collided with the Japanese fishing training vessel Ehime Maru sinking the vessel in three minutes and killing nine onboard.

The story of the collision made global headlines and was the subject of heated discussion and debate. What followed however was even more unprecedented. Scott as the former Commanding Officer took sole responsibility for his actions and the actions of his crew. He took the stand during the Navy's Court of Inquiry and testified without immunity knowing his words could be used against him in a Courts Martial. Scott and his crew were heralded for their honesty and candor, putting aside personal pride in an effort to determine how such a horrible tragedy could have occurred on what was then the pride of the Pacific Fleet.

In a time where CEO's and corporate executives have been quick to blame others within their organizations for their shortcomings and failures, Scott demonstrated uncommon strength of character, integrity and uncompromising ethical conduct in accepting responsibility for the actions of his crew. In the aftermath of the ordeal Scott delivers a powerful message that "Failure Need Not Be Final" and tells us "That there are no failures in life ... only mistakes and from these mistakes ... lessons."

Scott's book, The Right Thing, is a fascinating tale of success and lessons for anyone trying to navigate today's uncertain business seas where lessons are abundant. Scott, through his candid and direct delivery, connects with the audience and delivers a powerful message that is worthy of reflection.

National Incident Management System – Panel Presentation

Report on The Station Nightclub Fire – West Warwick, Rhode Island

Wednesday Evening/Log Cabin Presentation: The FUNdamentals of Leadership

Photo of Ronald P. Culberson, MSW, CSP, Herndon, VirginiaRon's experiences as an author, speaker, hospice social worker and a senior manager have inspired him to help others realize the importance of finding balance in life. He has provided entertaining, informative and FUN programs to over 70,000 people in more than 600 associations, government agencies, non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. Ron has spent most of his life appreciating the FUN and humor in everyday experiences. Whether as a cemetery caretaker or in the spotlight as an art auctioneer, Ron always focused on the lighter side of his work. More recently, Ron spent 10 years in a large hospice organization as a clinical social worker, Manager of Counseling Services and Director of Quality Service. Since 1996, he has been the Director of Everything at FUNsulting, etc. In 2001 Ron received the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association. The CSP is the speaking profession's international measure of professional platform skill and has been received by less than 450 individuals worldwide. Some of Ron's clients include: American Cancer Society, Embassy of Australia, EDS, Federal Aviation Administration, IBM, Kellogg USA, Inc., Marriott International, Ronald McDonald Charities, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, The Smithsonian Institution, World Bank, and the University of Virginia.

2004 Executive Fire Officer Program Outstanding Applied Research Award Winners

Each of the four 2004 Executive Fire Officer Program Outstanding Applied Research Award Winners will present their research. They will be recognized officially at the Symposium banquet:

The winners are:

Performance Leadership

Symposium Banquet

Remarks and Award of Outstanding Applied Research Awards, Acknowledgment of 2004 EFOP Graduates

Other Presentations:

Links of Interest