The Mann Gulch event exposes the weaknesses and drawbacks associated to the system responsible for

building, training and leading teams within the mid-twentieth century and provides a rich set of lessons
that contribute to the enhancement of team building and leadership. These lessons aid in describing the
team values required to overcome unforeseen problems, the leaders role within a team, and the
importance of investing in team members development.

The operational bond linking the team members was absent. This was clearly observed through the lack
of communication and lack of trust between the Mann Gulch team members, especially when each
individual started operating alone and refused to abide to orders. The crisis was inevitable since the core
of successful team work, which involves strong bonds, communication and trust, was missing.

The role system collapsed within the Mann Gulch team, especially when the members were ordered to
throw their equipment and change their job description from firefighters to fire makers. The absence of
clear sense within the team members, due to lack of wisdom, overconfidence, the role change, the lack of
communication and trust, made them challenge the vague orders. It is clear that, on site, improvisation
was absent or else a revised team structure would have replaced the collapsed one. As such,
organizations should focus on highly educating and training individuals to enhance their innovation,
creativity and response skills while promoting social interaction, respect and communication between
team members to be able to improvise when necessary.

The preparation phase for the firefighting mission was very weak, as it is quite clear that no appropriate
planning and data collection work associated to the missions took place before the arrival on site.
Consequently, unreliable information, missing equipment and tools, lack of mental preparation, and the
underestimation of the fire led to the disaster. The lesson learned here is that leaders should verify
received data and carry out risk assessment accompanied with proper scenario planning, time
management and filling checklist manifesto before initiating the physical work. It is quite astonishing how
a set of minor and unrelated flaws may interact to create deadly unforeseen outcomes.

As a conclusion, based on the outcomes of the Mann Gulch event, we understand that leadership could
be reflected in creating teams that are well prepared to face unforeseen circumstances. The team
members high qualifications, improvisation, awareness, mutual adaptation, trust, high level of
communication, supported by the guidance of their team leader, can help in overcoming challenges and
securing positive outcomes.