People Come First in Parks

“If you offer something specific, not only are you offering to help, but that shows that you see them as a person and that you're recognizing their specific needs rather than just generalized to the general population."

Episode Highlights

03:39 Creating a podcast about parks and the opportunities that come from it.

09:02 Recommendations can be reliable and chance encounters facilitate connections.

10:15 Being open to opportunities and making connections has led to getting great podcast guests.

15:28 Leaders should prioritize personal responsibilities over their public service roles.

17:53 Park rangers are prioritizing their roles.

22:17 Putting people first leads to park love.

27:41 Advice for outdoor leaders: equip, inspire, and succeed.

32:04 Be specific when offering help to others.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Last episode, we did an interview with Chris Lee. In this episode, we're going to Flip it a bit. I'm going to share the episode of Chris's Parks and Restoration podcast where Chris Interviews me. I'm not so sure I've ever done that on the park leader show. If I have, it's been a while. It was a great conversation, and I look forward to sharing it with you.

During our conversation we talk about the importance of putting people first in parks. As park leaders, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of our staff and visitors. The best leaders in the public sector, particularly in parks, prioritize serving their staff first. By creating a supportive and empowering environment for our teams, we can foster a love for the park and enhance their desire to connect others to it.

The power of connection is undeniable. Networking and building meaningful relationships play a significant role in the success of park leadership. Through connections with professionals, we gain recommendations for guests on the show, while also broadening our knowledge and understanding of industry trends and disruptions.

Whether in the workplace or personal life, offering specific help is more effective than a general offer. By taking the time to understand someone's unique needs and offering tailored assistance, we show that we truly care and are invested in their success.

If you're a park leader or passionate about parks and conservation, I highly recommend listening to this episode. It's packed with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice that can help drive positive change in the industry. Let's continue to prioritize people and create exceptional experiences in our parks.