Park Leaders Show

Latest Episodes:

Saving Waste: A Conversation on Conservation Apr 09, 2019

Show notes

In this edition of the Park Leaders Show, Jon Jarvis, Executive Director of the Institute for Parks, People and Biodiversity at the University of California Berkeley, returns to discuss his new book on conservation as well as recent tour tales.

As Jarvis notes, in an era marked by diversity and technology, the need to capture unity in conservation is significant. With emerging generations active on sociopolitical issues, it's important the scientists of today pour into the people of tomorrow. Motivated by this, Jarvis talks about what it means to engage conservation at the local level and how to communicate environmental strategies to those passionate about societal justice.

The Leader/Manager Dichotomy Mar 12, 2019

Show notes

In this edition of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines returns to discuss the dichotomy between leadership and management.

When understanding the difference between leadership and management, it's important to note how they compliment. While managers emphasize job completion and managing tasks, leaders prioritize influence, inspiring and enabling others to contribute. More specifically, managers give oversight and leaders share insight. Despite the contrast in means, the bottom line always comes down to motivation. The question is: How do we define these means in a way that moves projects and people towards outcomes and goals?

As Gaines explains, there are several ways to answer this. Whether it involves leadership and/or management tactic, the key always comes down to empowering people to empower a process.

The Value of Mentorship Mar 05, 2019

Show notes

In this special edition of the Park Leaders Show, Brennan McAuley and retired Director of the National Park Service, Jonathan Jarvis, discuss the value of relationships in leadership and mentorship roles.

When leading through mentorship, it's essential to view counsel as a two-way street. Even in new hire situations, knowing where and when to receive advice and where and when to give advice is critical to professional development. For instance, when is the best time to criticize a subordinate? When is the best time to take on an outside project during an exceptional circumstance? What qualifies as an exceptional circumstance? Often, it takes building quality relationships to not only mature the intelligence around our skill, but serve in light of our limitations and potential.

No matter what we do as leaders from self-learning to conflict management, the key is seeing effectiveness as groundwork laid for future generations. Put another way, the drive and passion we employ today sets the tone for tomorrow.

How to Persevere During Uncomfortable Conditions Feb 12, 2019

Show notes

Phil Gaines returns to the Park Leaders Show to discuss how to persevere during uncomfortable working conditions.

For most of us, troubleshooting workplace drama is nothing new. Whether it involves a supervisor or an ethical dilemma, no question there's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to managing conflicts. Still, while approaches will vary by case, as long as we aim to survive the issue, we can ultimately fix the issue.

As Phil explains, the first step in correcting a problem is to understand the problem. By knowing why a particular conflict is occurring, we can better be the change we crave, standing firm in the face of adversity. In some cases, this requires channeling empathy; in others, this means seeking a mentor and inquiring what has worked before in similar situations.

Whatever approach we employ, it's imperative we stay consistent in our humility. Even if it means we fall on our sword, as long as we respond out of conviction, we'll improve the predicament.

Getting Your First Job with The National Park Service Feb 05, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Brennan McAuley returns to the Park Leaders Show to discuss his national park career and experiences as a NPS trainee.

Having recently graduated from the law enforcement academy, McAuley also shares insights on how his experiences as a Temple University student and Pro Ranger Program member readied him for his new potential role at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Improving Conservation Ethics Jan 29, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Phil Gaines shares ideas on how leaders can improve the ethics of their conservation.

For park leaders, protecting parks is a tedious and challenging issue. While staff efforts are important, these efforts must include education with respect to waste management since many people lack awareness or responsibility.

As Gaines points out, if we want to improve conservation ethics, then we must find ways to not only reach more people but communicate 'trash' under the covering of accountability and hospitality. By providing quality customer service and proactive discussion, park leaders can encourage their visitors to see the benefits of conservation ethics as it pertains to federal funding and future generations.

How Leaders Can Improve Their Communication Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Phil Gaines and Dan Cockerell, share ideas on how leaders can improve their communications.

For Gaines in the park world, the two greatest challenges to communication are technological distractions and distance. While more communicational avenues can benefit an organization, employing face-to-face interface should remain a priority as part of a well-rounded a communication structure. The more varied the structure, the more reach potential given different people process information in different ways.

Furthermore, whatever structure is utilized, there should be some corporately understood matrix concerning communication type and the importance of the information being communicated. As for direct forms of communication involving immediate responses, these should always be used anytime opportunities arise to enhance morale and inspire change.

For Cockerell, with so many ways to convey a message, it's more important for the channel to be authentic than perfect. Additionally, he advises podcasts not be the primary outlet for mandatory information but rather used as an extension of bonus knowledge.

The Character of Ethics Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, South Carolina's former State Parks Director, Phil Gaines, shares some post-retirement wisdom on marketplace ethics.

Having served in multiple executive leadership roles, Gaines points out integrity, is not only the center of ethics but the foundation of sustainable leadership. In order to lead with integrity, there must be a culture of trust that starts from the beginning and endures on the frontlines. Furthermore, before an organization can develop ethical codes, Gaines submits there must first be a foundation marked by character and integrity since the ethical decision isn't always the right decision.

To help sustain standards of excellence, Gaines charges leaders to address mistakes as they happen, to be mindful of future generations, to see organizational functionality as inclusive to character, and to promote authenticity as an extension of integrity. By prioritizing these focus points, the groundwork for better growth, customer service, stewardship, vision, and accountability is laid.

Following Wildland Firefighters Jan 01, 2019

Show notes

On this episode, director Alex Jablonski reflects on his documentary, 'Wildland', which follows a single wildland firefighting crew over the course of one summer.

In the film, a firefighting crew contracted through Grayback Forestry builds rapport as they struggle to contain fires in northern California. Influenced by his success in 'Low and Clear', a tale of two friends who drift apart during their final fly-flying trip, Jablonski discusses the challenges involved in filming around actual fires while building trust with the firefighters.

For many firefighters, not only is the adaptation to life behind a lens difficult, but also the training and action sequences operated under artistic headings. Yet, despite the added pressure, the crew gradually acclimates as they become of age and mature in a dangerous, life-threatening environment.

Jablonski also discusses why he pursued rookie firefighters in casting, his priority of narrative, and the reward of confrontational experience in directing.

Act Local for a Global Impact Dec 18, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, Christina Zerfas discusses her project, "Cans for Kili", and her mission to impact the environment on local and global scales. Through eco funding, Christina's team hopes to collect and recycle over 1.2 million aluminum cans not only to sell for scrap metal but also to reduce Indianapolis's carbon output.

In addition to raising funds for reforesting and cleaning efforts, Zerfas also plans to garner proceeds by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with three C4K team members next fall. The journey will start by planting indigenous trees at the base of the mountain. Then after summiting, the climbers will collect trash on their way back down, recycling it properly before returning home.

Zerfas reminds us whether or not we're climbing a mountain in Africa, we can all play a part in increasing local awareness through recycling to benefit future cities all over the world. By thinking green in our own communities, we can inspire the same in others far from home.

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