The Person is More Important Than the Position

In parks, we have spread the myth of a lone heroic leader at the top.

We give special attention and privilege to someone with a leadership title.

If it takes a hero to lead people, it moves leadership out of the reach of most people.

As leaders, we need to remember the person is more important than the position. You don't have to have a title to be a leader. We need to treat every member of the staff as an important piece of the success of the park and encourage them to be a leader.

Dylan Mroszcyk-McDonald returns to the Park Leaders Show to continue our series on leadership and culture in parks. 

Focusing on a single heroic leader often leads to a staff unable to quickly adapt to change. It leads to competition because people feel there is scarcity in leadership, influence, and importance.

Every contribution is valid. Everyone's work towards our mission is valuable. Park culture would benefit from a shift in this direction rather than highlight a lone heroic leader.

Even if a leader gets accolades for accomplishments, it never would have happened without the team all working towards the same mission.

If you are not in a leadership position, what can you do to set yourself up as a leader?

Leadership is about action. You don't need a title to take action. Decide you are a leader and begin to take action.

Next, consider your supervisor's job. What do they do? What responsibilities do they have? Figure out how you can help contribute to their success. Not only will that help your supervisor, you will learn what it takes to be successful at the next level.

Find additional ways to contribute. Join committees. Volunteer for assignments. People will notice.

This episode is the third in a series about leadership and culture in parks. The first two episodes are;

Improving Leadership and Culture in Parks

Innovative Leadership in Parks