Leading with Purpose: Leadership Lessons from Park and Recreation Directors
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM PST
Room: Ballroom B 9
Earn 0.1 CEUs
Session Description: Join us for an engaging session where I’ll share insights from my 2023 mixed methods case study featuring three dynamic park and recreation directors from California, each bringing a unique background and perspective. Discover what makes these leaders stand out, as we dive deep into the leadership behaviors that drive success in the field.
We’ll explore how these exemplary directors lead through their character, vision, relationships, wisdom, inspiration and ability to create meaningful connections within their organizations. This session will highlight key findings from in-depth interviews and staff surveys, blending qualitative and quantitative data to uncover the traits that set great leaders apart.
Take away actionable recommendations you can apply in your own leadership journey—whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned professional. Learn how to elevate your leadership approach and create lasting impact in your agency.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, network with peers, and leave with new strategies to inspire and lead in parks and recreation at any level!
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants can identify the key leadership behaviors - character, relationships, vision, wisdom, and inspiration - used by exemplary park and recreation directors to create personal and organizational meaning.
Upon completion, participants will learn to analyze and compare the alignment between leadership behaviors and staff perceptions, particularly how different leadership domains are perceived and valued in an organization.
Upon completion, participants will assess and identify their strengths in leadership across the domains of character, relationships, inspiration, vision, and wisdom, gaining insights into how these strengths can be leveraged to create greater personal and organizational meaning.
