NOVA Parks News
Leadership Training to Change the World
By: Paul Gilbert, Executive Director
“Top leadership training results in a better world.” That was the goal last week when we had Michael Useem, Professor of Management, and Director of the Center for Leadership and Change at the Wharton School of Business helping the management team at NOVA Parks hone their leadership skills.
At their best, park and recreation agencies can change the world for the better. We can revitalize communities, engage children with nature, promote tourism, improve health and fitness, educate the public about our natural and historic resources, and more… But that potential can only become a reality if the agencies, and the people who work in those agencies, are setting and achieving lofty goals. They can only achieve their potential if excellent leadership exists throughout the organizations.
The leadership lessons started with a tour of Ball’s Bluff Battlefield, one of NOVA Parks’ numerous historic sites. We learned from the decision-making of 150 years ago. We then moved to the classroom of Temple Hall Farm, another unique park, where Professor Useem led the group in thinking about leadership in new ways.
It was a great process that challenged us to continually improve the way we motivate and lead our teams. Expect more from your regional parks in the days and years ahead as we work to live up to the full potential that parks and recreation have.
