For years, I’ve been a scoutmaster, teaching youth how to build fires more times than I can count. A fire needs three elements: fuel, heat, and oxygen. As simple as it sounds, it’s trickier than you’d think. Too little heat? You need more oxygen. Wet fuel? Crank up the heat. Starting a forest fire might be easy, but mastering a controlled blaze takes finesse.
A few years ago, I went camping with my son. We’d used a fire that morning, but by afternoon, it seemed cold—no smoke, no embers. To prep for dinner, I stacked firewood in a log cabin formation, thinking I’d save time later, even though I wouldn’t need the fire for hours.
Minutes later, a log buried in the ash began to smoke and caught fire. By arranging the logs, I’d introduced enough oxygen deep into the ash pile to reignite a hidden ember.
Not ready to cook, I doused the wood with water, assuming that would kill any chance of reignition. But curiosity struck. I wanted to test if we could start a cooking fire without a new spark. Could there still be embers alive beneath the soggy ash?
When we were ready, we piled dry pine needles around the log cabin. Within five minutes, a small spot started smoking. I was intrigued but patient, wondering how long it would take for the fire to catch on its own.
After about 20 minutes, the smoke grew thick. A breeze would kick up, and the smoke intensified. My impatience—or maybe my ADD—got the better of me. I blew gently on a smoldering spot. Within 30 seconds, flames appeared, and 30 seconds later, the entire log cabin was engulfed.
It took barely any effort. With the right conditions, that tiny ember roared to life.
You might think this is a cautionary tale about preventing forest fires. And sure, that’s a good lesson. But this story is really about igniting excitement and potential in your employees.
When I hire, I don’t just look for skills. I seek attitude, growth potential, and the ability to elevate the team. Skills can be taught, but a positive attitude? That’s harder to instill. I want people who’ll learn, contribute, and bring more to the table over time.
I’m searching for that burning ember—the spark in someone that, with the right fuel (resources, opportunities) and a gentle fanning (encouragement, training), can become a raging fire. Everyone has that ember, that potential. As a leader, it’s my job to help it grow into something extraordinary.
Provide the Right Fuel for Growth
Just like a fire needs dry wood, employees need resources to thrive. Equip them with the tools and opportunities to shine.
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Offer Training Programs: Provide access to courses or workshops.
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Assign Stretch Projects: Give them tasks that push their skills.
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Share Resources: Provide books, subscriptions, or software that align with their roles.
Fan the Flame with Encouragement
A fire needs oxygen to grow, and employees need recognition to stay motivated. Regular encouragement keeps their spark alive.
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Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, like meeting a deadline or solving a problem.
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Give Constructive Feedback: Frame critiques as growth opportunities.
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Check In Regularly: Schedule one-on-ones to show you care about their progress.
Create Space for Their Fire to Burn
A fire needs room to breathe, and employees need autonomy to excel. Trust them to take ownership and watch their potential ignite.
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Delegate Meaningfully: Assign tasks with clear goals but flexible methods.
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Encourage Ideas: Invite input on projects.
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Allow Safe Risks: Let them experiment without fear of failure.
Keep the Fire Burning
That smoldering ember in the campfire, hidden beneath wet ash, didn’t need much to roar back to life—just some dry needles, a breeze, and a little nudge. Your employees are no different. By providing the right resources, offering encouragement, and giving them room to shine, you can turn their sparks into flames that drive your business forward. I’ve seen teams transform when leaders nurture that potential, just as I’ve seen a pile of ash become a blazing fire with minimal effort. Find those embers in your people, fan them carefully, and watch them light up your organization.
Oh, and yes—only you can prevent forest fires.
