Park Leaders Show

Latest Episodes:

Exploring Online Interpretation Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

Marnin Robbins, Interpretive Program Manager for the North Coast Redwoods District and California State Parks, discusses his story and the value of interpretation.

As Marnin describes, interpretation is a mixture of information exchange and inspiration exchange - a role that helps provide context and meaning for people who visit natural landmarks. While the job covers much ground, exploring interpretation in parks is rooted in interactive conversation and bringing nature to life virtually. Understandably, this aspect was limited in decades past; however, today, using modern technology, park rangers can now protect national parks and help people understand their significance through online interpretive programs.

The Role of Law Enforcement in Parks Jun 02, 2020

Show notes

Our semi-regular guest host, Phil Gains, is back with us to discuss a somewhat controversial topic in park leadership: park rangers & law enforcement.

There are many differing opinions and policies about the role of law enforcement in parks. Expectations and execution vary from state to state. People feel strongly about how and why law enforcement should be in place. When you boil it down, law enforcement plays an important part in the parks landscape: to protect our visitors and the resources we have been entrusted to steward.

Regardless of your stance, as leaders, it is our responsibility to provide the necessary training and equipment to our team, whatever that may look like at your park. While philosophies range from 'Ranger First' to 'Law Enforcement First (or someone will get hurt)', the goal remains the same; being prepared and utilizing the tools available to us to serve our visitors and provide a safe environment for enjoying our parks.

Leading During a Crisis May 26, 2020

Show notes

In today's episode of the Park Leader's Show, Phil Gains is with us again and is introducing us to Donald Forgione, a longtime friend and former Director of Florida State Parks.

As a leader, we must encounter a crisis with confidence and humility. Leaders do not need to have all the answers, but they must be prepared to be a calming and reassuring presence. Especially in today's unprecedented situation, being proactive and working on a plan for the next season is key to supporting our teams.

While some tasks and operations need to take place, there is still one other critical piece that needs constant attention – our people. The tasks will get done because we have a strong team, and as leaders, we must prioritize caring for our people.

How Will the Corona Virus Change Parks May 19, 2020

Show notes

Phil Gaines returns to discuss how COVID-19 is affecting state parks and what to expect when they reopen.

As Gaines explains, it's possible to stay relevant in global crises like the coronavirus. Despite the social limitations, park leaders can still make decisions that are timeless and timely. The key is knowing what direction to go, when to go there, and how to incorporate outside input into the mix.

You Don't Need all the Answers to be a Leader May 12, 2020

Show notes

Our semi-regular guest host, Phil Gains, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks joins us.

We are in a historical and unprecedented time. With most state parks closed for an extended period, we will begin to see leaders emerge or be exposed. As leaders, you don't need to have all of the answers. You need to know how to deal and communicate in a way that communicates the values found in park culture. Consistency, integrity, empathy, and the prioritization of health and safety are key when you find yourself in a crisis without precedent.

Parks is a people business and now, more than ever, leaders must position themselves to care for people. Reach out, document the experience and find time to care for yourself so are able to care of others.

Staying Relevant in a Changing World May 05, 2020

Show notes

Phil Gaines returns on-site at Lake Tahoe to discuss how to stay relevant in an ever-changing world.

Speaking from a local perspective, Phil talks about the importance of taking care of watersheds, providing outdoor recreation, and understanding location. For instance, while water supply is abundant in the southeast, in California the mindset is different since limitation is more a cultural norm.

As for staying relevant, while technology and networking are important, knowing the needs of your surroundings is also key. Especially in times of crisis and uncertainty, understanding capacity is vital to land and water resource protection. In short, while staying relevant involves adapting and evolving, it's ultimately incomplete if the mindset isn't filtered through current issues and settings.

Exploring Ranger First Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

Donald Forgione, Director of Florida State Parks, discusses his background and what it means to be "Ranger First".

After starting his career as a Park Ranger with Florida State Parks, Forgione transitioned to Director, a role he admits he didn't expect to land. During this time, he developed a special tagline, "Ranger First", to remind himself and others how the responsibilities of a park ranger go beyond title.

As Forgione explains, behaviors and values speak louder than words in the park business. Though responsibilities change over time, the humility and pride of being a ranger should never waver.

How to Handle a Crisis Mar 24, 2020

Show notes

On this special episode of the Park Leader Show, Dan Cockerell, and former VP of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and Lee Cockerell, retired Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World, talk about how to handle a crisis.

Here are four steps to keep in mind while dealing with a crisis:

Safety First. Before anything else, the safety of employees, customers, and yourself comes before anything else.

Deal with the Facts. During a crisis people get emotional. People speculate and gossip. You should deal only with the facts when you communicate with people.

Be Empathetic. Everybody is dealing with a crisis in different ways for different reasons. Understand people are worried.

Use the situation to get better. You and your organization can learn plenty from a crisis. Use it as a training opportunity.

During a crisis, your culture is on show for everyone to see. Your actions should match your words. What you say doesn't build a culture. Culture is built through actions.

Innovating Communication in Your Organization Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

Jim Bryson, Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation of Tennessee State Parks, discusses the benefit of leaning on your team and the importance of innovation in how you handle communication across your organization.

Joining Tennessee State Parks from a corporate background in marketing research, Jim has discovered how central building a culture of trust within your organization is. As a leader, you set the pillars and vision, and you lean on your staff to fill in the how to your why. Being confident in your leadership allows you to pull from the experience of those around you.

Jim also shares his experience in starting the first internal podcast dedicated to communication and recognition within the Tennessee State Park staff. As leaders, communicating across a widespread team can be challenging, but it is imperative for building a strong organization. By taping into the deeply held passion for the mission and sharing wins and initiatives, you can meet three key needs: provide information, entertainment, and recognition.

Minute in Nature Mar 10, 2020

Show notes

Today's social media-driven culture is saturated with negativity, politics and sales pitches. From Glacier National Park, Jeff Noel and Jody Maberry discuss the impact of Jody's "Minute in Nature" moments on Instagram Stories.

Pausing to capture a minute of beauty in nature is a way of taking a moment and quieting ourselves. As Jody shares today, being intentional to put some positivity into the world is good for the soul and can help expose more people to the beauty that is found in the great outdoors, especially national parks.

Join the #minuteinnature movement and share your own minute in nature with the world.