Park Leaders Show

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Reviewing Annual Performance Reviews Mar 02, 2021

Show notes

Phil Gaines, the semi-regular guest host, returns to discuss annual performance reviews.

While some employers view annual reviews as obligations, the truth is these evaluations are critical to an organization's success. As Phil explains, the best annual performance reviews involve checkmarks throughout the year to maintain consistency. To evaluate performance correctly, supervisors should gauge progress on monthly to quarterly intervals using surveys or 1:1 meetings. Furthermore, annual performance reviews should not only distinguish performance issues versus disciplinary issues but promote open dialogue dedicated to vocational growth.

However you approach performance evaluation, remember to distribute feedback and encourage learning opportunities regularly. In this way, you will motivate your team members to accomplish their goals with maximum efficiency.

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Grizzly Bear Conservation Feb 23, 2021

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Barrie Gilbert, a bear biologist and author of 'One of Us: A Biologist's Walk Among Bears', joins the show to discuss his research and resources.

Having survived a near-fatal attack by a bear in 1977 In Yellowstone Park, Gilbert has devoted his career to wildlife discovery. For over four decades, Gilbert's scientific inquiries have inspired a new generation to study bear behavior and habitation preservation. Ultimately, his work has changed the narrative concerning the perception of grizzlies in national parks.

As for his book, "One of Us" examines the integrity of hunting as well as the years Gilbert spent in Yosemite studying black bears. To him, if the public concept of bears is to improve, we must replace the Louis and Clark mindset for one seeking to enhance their environment. Only then can we promote safe practices regarding the man and bear relationship.

Resources:

One of Us: https://www.amazon.com/One-Us-Biologists-Among-Bears/dp/1525548514

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Use Winter to Prepare Your Park for Summer Feb 16, 2021

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In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss how parks can maximize their winter seasons.

For most parks, tourism is high in the summer, low in the winter. As visitation decreases during the cold months, the opportunities for special projects increase. The question is: How do parks best utilize their downtime to avoid lost time?

As Phil explains, while winter work projects vary upon location and climate, the bottom lines are the same. If a park ranger wants to prepare for the spring, they must promote rest for staff, document processes, focus on planning, and fix infrastructures critical to volume.

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How to Discover the Culture at Your Park Feb 09, 2021

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Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss strong park culture.

While some say culture is how you do things, the truth is discovering culture goes much deeper. For instance, when a new park ranger obtains a new role, they instantly inherit a culture. In some cases, the culture may be unhealthy; in others, it may be rich in tradition.

Whatever the situation, knowing the formal structure and informal influencers is critical to quality management. As Phil explains, though rangers may serve as the primary authority, all staff members can leave an impact on a park and its programs. Accordingly, if rangers commit themselves to know their personnel and the people they influence, the more they'll discover the 'why' of their culture.

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Passing Stories to the Next Generation Jan 26, 2021

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Rick Bass, an acclaimed author, and native of Yak Valley discuss challenges affecting national parks and the importance of sharing experiences.

From climate change to conservation conflicts, Rick explains why we should pass stories of environmental struggles to future generations. In his mind, the obligation to preserve history and raise awareness are community values and expressions of courage. If one seeks to inspire influence, one must be willing not only to lend a voice but share the whole story.

As Rick continues, one of the ways he has done this is through his book, Traveling Feast. In the book, Rick focuses his premise on connecting generations through benevolence – the idea of sharing what you love at the core of generosity. The more life seems to converge, the more opportunities we have to expound upon the hope that we know.

Resources:

The Traveling Feast by Rick Bass

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Should You Be a Well Rounded Ranger? Dec 29, 2020

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Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss what it means to be a well-rounded ranger.

As Phil explains, the expectations for rangers have evolved considerably in recent decades. During the '60s, '70s, and '80s, the idea was a ranger should know how to build homes and service plumbing and electrical units; however, nowadays, rangers carry more generalist roles.

For instance, while rangers can act as technicians, it would be better for them to hire contractors and specialists to ensure every facet of park management operates effectively. In this way, rangers can focus on their strengths while focusing more on their strengths and delegating opportunities.

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Discussing Funny Park Visitor Reviews Nov 24, 2020

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In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss the funnier side of visitor reviews.

While some low-star reviews are unwarranted, as Jody and Phil explain, they can also provide a unique perspective. Sometimes, a new visitor question or a trite online review can reflect ignorance, even humor; however, the key is considering the context.

For instance, when a tourist says an outrageous comment, rather than write it off, appraise their viewpoint, take it for what it is, and focus on offering a quality experience. In this way, you can accurately process the feedback regardless of presentation.

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Do Interpretive Services Provide a Return Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

Today on the 'Park Leaders Show', Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss the value of interpretive services.

As Phil notes, many parks are applying budget cuts to interpretive services and discontinuing in-person programming due to COVID-19; however, while the physical returns have dwindled, the online returns have been surprisingly high.

While interactive platforming is a helpful tool, as Phil explains, if a park wants to maintain its interpretive services, it must justify them through analytics validating their impact and champion them through product development and resource management. In any situation, for interpretive services to have legislative support, a park must be able to demonstrate communal impact and how that impact can yield financial returns to sustain future programs.

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Understanding Park Priorities Nov 10, 2020

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On today's episode of the 'Park Leaders Show', Cam Sholly, Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, joins the show to discuss prioritizing park responsibilities. Of these umbrella priorities, Cam explains five in particular: workforce development, strengthening ecosystems and cultural resources, resource accessibility and park experience, investing in infrastructures, and building coalitions and partnerships. In all endeavors, Cam emphasizes the importance of adaptability, positivity, and teamwork not only in managing priorities but people along the way.

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Making Parks More Inclusive Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

Today Reggie Williams, ex-NFL linebacker, former Disney executive, and social reformer, returns to discuss how inclusion should look in state parks.

When we talk about popular tourist attractions, we often think inclusion is exclusive to participants after they've engaged. Popular among park leaders is the idea once the gates open, their staff should be ready to serve those who enter.

While this notion is partially true, as Reggie and I explain, inclusive is a two-way exchange that starts with pre-entry outreach and equality. In order to include, parks must not only integrate tourist suggestions into their marketing but express a commitment to serve ahead of confirmed interest.

As Reggie concludes, a park best serves its customers by prioritizing their voice. If a park team actively seeks to hear what potential customers are saying, no question they will leave a greater impact in their community.

Resources:

Resilient by Nature: Reflections from a Life of Winning On and Off the Football Field by Reggie Williams

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