Virtue #3 - Knowledge

"Knowledge is power."  This old adage applies to Sheepdogs as well.  Mireles writes about two types of knowledge, universal and specific.  Universal knowledge is common knowledge.   This type of knowledge helps the warrior better understand Man and the world around him.  Specific knowledge has to do with the area in which the Warrior works.  There is a specific skill set in that area in which the Warrior must be proficient, so time must be set aside in which to acquire that knowledge.

For the master teacher, knowledge is obtained in numerous ways.  College courses, professional conventions, professional journals, and personal research are some of the many ways a master teacher can develop their skill set.  Networking with other educators is another way.  A master teacher is open to new ideas, and is able to use their knowledge and experience to assess ideas to see how to integrate them into what they do.

When it comes to applying knowledge, the Warrior and the master teacher should keep things simple.  The KISS principle means Keep it Simple, Stupid.  Sometimes the tendency is to employ too much knowledge, and create complex solutions that are doomed to fail.  Keep the bridge between knowledge and emergency response as clear of clutter as possible.  When you are responding to a crisis, there will be enough challenges, without you adding some of your own.

Warriors must know the tools of their trade, just as master teachers need to know theirs.  Remember that such leaning is a process, not a goal.  Use what knowledge you can develop to protect others.

Knowledge is power.

Source:

Christensen, Loren W.. Warriors: more on living with courage, discipline, and honor. Rev. ed. Boulder, Colo.: Paladin, 2010. Print.

Virtue #2 - Action

Mireles goes on to describe the second Warrior Virtue, Action.  A true Warrior acts in the face of danger, regardless of what that danger might be.  It could be anything from a violent situation in school to a task that will divert your attention from what you want to do.  In any case, a person with a warrior mindset doesn't procrastinate.  Procrastinate is another way of saying 'lazy'.  Warriors will do what needs to be done.

Action is not the same as busy work.  A lawyer friend of Mireles' said, "Never confuse action with results."  For the warrior, and for the master teacher, actions must be toward a valued end.  Thus, action is tied in with discipline.  This makes your actions effective, which will make effective results.

A warrior also does not tell others to do a job he or she wouldn't do themselves.  Take responsibility for your actions, and you'll gain the respect of your peers.

Source:

Christensen, Loren W.. Warriors: more on living with courage, discipline, and honor. Rev. ed. Boulder, Colo.: Paladin, 2010. Print.