Ten Random Park Ideas

Published: Nov. 24, 2015, 6 a.m.

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Episode 80 of the Park Leaders Show is ten random park related ideas. Individually, the ideas did not make a full episode. Collectively, the ideas create an episode of 10 ideas in 10 minutes (11 minutes, actually, but 10 in 10 sounds better).

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I recently attended\\xa0the Ranger Rendezvous and the Inspiring a New Generation Summit. Next on my list is the CA Parks Training Conference, where I will give two presentations and be part of a panel discussion.

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If you would like Park Leaders founder, Jody Maberry, to speak to your organization or at your event, please reach out.

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At the Ranger Rendezvous,\\xa0I was reminded how important it is to belong to a Ranger Association. The Rendezvous is the annual conference for the Association of National Park Rangers. A Ranger Association will introduce you to other Rangers. And you never know who could be your next supervisor, co-worker, or potential employee.\\xa0

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Also at the Rendezvous,\\xa0I met former Park Leader Show guests Bob Krumenaker and Cassius Cash. Anytime you have the opportunity to converse with a veteran park ranger; you should do it.\\xa0

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If you are a Park Manager, and there is turnover at your park, it is because of you. You don\'t listen. That is why people leave.\\xa0

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Visible tattoos\\xa0on a park ranger are a bad idea. Tattoos should be concealed\\xa0behind your uniform.\\xa0

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Performance reviews are not very useful. But what if people were held accountable for other staff members attaining goals? Wouldn\'t that promote the teamwork we are looking for?

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If you are a Park Manager or Superintendent, one of the best things you can do for your agency is to invest in an up and comer. You don\'t need a formal mentorship program to help someone out.\\xa0

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The John Wayne Pioneer Trail\\xa0is at risk. The state of Washington wants to give the trail to adjacent land owners. The threat to the trail is a prime example of why parks need to focus on diversity. If there were a diversity of voices from all backgrounds causing a ruckus, there would be no question about the future of the trail.\\xa0

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The Park Leaders Show\\xa0is due for another panel episode. In the past, there have been panel episodes about Diversity and Communication. What should come next?

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Forget about adding more policies and procedures.\\xa0New policies may show exactly how you want things done, but it gets in the way of creativity and job satisfaction.\\xa0

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Want Park Leaders Stickers? You can get those here.\\xa0

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