Leadership in Crisis: Lessons from California’s Wildfires
Accountability Without Division: Building Better Leadership Amid Crisis
California’s devastating wildfires provide a sobering example of how leadership failures can exacerbate crises. In recent years, these fires have claimed dozens of lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and caused billions in damages. Despite the scale of these disasters, systemic failures in governance and leadership have hindered meaningful progress in wildfire prevention and management.
At a 2023 meeting, a representative from the California State Parks agency acknowledged that the state doesn’t typically remove flammable brush for “environmental conservation reasons” (Wall Street Journal, January 17, 2025). This policy, intended to protect natural ecosystems, requires private citizens to obtain permits — a process that can take up to eight weeks and cost $150 — to clear dry vegetation near their properties. Meanwhile, the devastating fires continued to spread, fueled by overgrown brush that could have been mitigated by proactive measures. When questioned, state representatives deflected blame, insisting that no more could have been done to prevent the destruction.
This sad event illustrates the consequences of placing ideology and bureaucracy above practical, life-saving measures. It is not enough to point fingers or hide behind policies; true leadership demands acknowledging failures, seeking solutions, and fostering unity in pursuit of progress. Here are five principles to guide better leadership in times of crisis.
1. Acknowledge the Failures Clearly and Honestly
When leaders fail, they must own up to it. In the case of California’s wildfires, the refusal to address flammable brush effectively — despite warnings from experts and residents — is a glaring oversight. Bureaucratic hurdles, such as slow permitting processes, prioritized abstract conservation goals over the safety of communities.
Calling out these failures isn’t about partisan blame; it’s about recognizing specific shortcomings. Honest acknowledgment sets the stage for rebuilding trust and taking corrective action. Without it, leaders risk further alienating those they serve and perpetuating ineffective practices.
2. Focus on Solutions, Not Just Criticism
Constructive criticism must be paired with actionable solutions. In the wildfire example, this could include:
Streamlining Permits: Simplify and accelerate the permitting process for vegetation clearing near homes.
Controlled Burns: Implement regular, managed burns to reduce fuel loads in fire-prone areas.
Empowering Local Communities: Provide resources and training to communities for proactive fire mitigation.
Balancing Conservation with Safety: Protect critical ecosystems while prioritizing human safety through targeted, science-based vegetation management.
Leaders who propose and implement practical measures demonstrate accountability and competence, avoiding the trap of unproductive finger-pointing.
3. Appeal to Shared Values
Most people, regardless of political affiliation, value safe communities, effective governance, and environmental stewardship. By framing solutions around these shared values, leaders can unite diverse groups to address crises collaboratively.
For example, wildfire prevention is not a partisan issue — it’s about protecting families, homes, and ecosystems. Emphasizing these universal concerns fosters common ground and builds coalitions for meaningful change.
4. Hold Leaders Accountable Without Demonizing
Accountability is essential, but it doesn’t have to be divisive. Rather than vilifying opponents, focus on insisting that leaders acknowledge mistakes and adapt policies. Voters respect humility and a willingness to course-correct far more than stubborn defense of failed practices.
For instance, California’s leadership could demonstrate integrity by admitting the flaws in their current wildfire prevention strategies and committing to reforms. This approach builds trust and shows that leaders prioritize results over ideology.
5. Be Unafraid to Question Groupthink
Real progress often requires challenging the status quo. Whether in governance or advocacy, leaders must have the courage to question entrenched assumptions and explore alternative approaches.
In the wildfire context, this might mean reassessing conservation policies that unintentionally heighten fire risks or investing in innovative fire prevention technologies. Leaders who step outside ideological echo chambers are better equipped to find creative, effective solutions.
The Path Forward
California’s wildfires are a stark reminder of the cost of leadership failures. But they also offer an opportunity to redefine what effective leadership looks like. By acknowledging failures, proposing actionable solutions, appealing to shared values, holding leaders accountable, and challenging groupthink, we can build a model for leadership that addresses crises head-on while fostering unity and trust.
Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about integrity, adaptability, and a commitment to the greater good. By embracing these principles, we can ensure that future crises are met with competence and compassion — and that no community is left to face preventable disasters alone.
About the Author: David Ragland is a former senior executive and an adjunct professor of management. He serves as a partner at FuturePoint Digital, a research-based consultancy specializing in strategy, advisory, and leadership development for global clients. David earned his Doctorate in Business Administration from IE University in Madrid, Spain, and a Master of Science in Information and Telecommunications Systems from Johns Hopkins University, where he was honored with the Edward J. Stegman Award for Academic Excellence. He holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from James Madison University and completed a certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy at MIT. His research focuses on the intersection of emerging technology with organizational and societal dynamics.
References:
“How L.A. Bureaucracy Made It Harder to Clear Flammable Brush,” Wall Street Journal, January 17, 2025, https://www.wsj.com/us-news/climate-environment/how-l-a-bureaucracy-made-it-harder-to-clear-flammable-brush-683f953e.