Doug Decker is the State Forester at the Oregon Department of Forestry. He is an informal historian and widely hailed as a strong communicator and leader. Doug has been in the forestry industry since 1987, and will be retiring this chapter of his life in the next two weeks. On the episode, Doug discusses that good leaders will sometimes have to make tough decisions, and those decisions may let some people down. He believes it’s important a young forester be prepared for this aspect of their career.
Key Takeaways:
[2:30] Doug is two weeks away from retirement, yet he has three jobs waiting for him on the other side.
[2:55] How did Doug get started in his career?
[6:20] It’s important to be able to tell the story, and stay relevant to a public that’s not necessarily invested in the natural forestry industry.
[8:25] What do foresters do well in this industry, and what do they need to do more of?
[10:45] To become a good communicator, is it really just a question of learning the skill or is it the will to learn?
[13:50] What kind of skills should a leader know?
[16:20] You have to be willing to disappoint people. As a leader, you will be called upon during hard times, when tough decisions need to be made.
[17:10] One of the responsibilities of a leader is to be able to manage the throttle on change.
[17:45] Doug doesn’t like to let folks down, but sometimes it’s part of the job. In order to accept change, we have to be willing to give some things up.
[21:20] How has being a teacher of history helped Doug become a better leader?
[26:25] When Doug retires, what does he plan to do in Portland state?
[28:35] After 29 years in the industry, Doug is ready for another chapter of his life.
[29:20] What advice would Doug give to the young foresters out there?
[31:40] How does Doug define leadership?
[34:15] Doug recommends the book Leadership on the Line, by Martin Linsky.
[35:05] Are leaders born or made?
[37:05] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Leadership on the Line, by Martin Linsky
Aaron Everett has been the State Forester of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources since 2010. Aaron believes that in order to be an effective leader, young foresters need to have a vision; either your own or the organization’s vision; and have the right people on the team to help achieve those big-picture goals. In order to be a good leader and a respected one, young professionals have to construct themselves as someone that people can emulate and follow. What you say and how you act does have an impact on your team.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] Why did Aaron become a state forester?
[4:35] What was Aaron’s first job?
[8:55] We think this business is about the tree, but really it’s about the people.
[10:35] What types of skills do leaders need?
[11:20] What you say and do, and how you act and behave, does set an example for other people.
[11:45] Notice and celebrate your team’s success.
[12:25] A leader needs to have a balance between not accepting the status quo, and following a compass to what's right.
[13:10] What does it mean to Aaron to be a leader?
[14:20] What are most foresters already good at, when it comes to leadership skills?
[15:55] What kind of challenges has Aaron overcome?
[20:45] What helped accelerate Aaron in his leadership?
[24:50] Where does Aaron see the future of forestry going?
[29:55] Aaron shares his final piece of advice.
[31:40] What’s Aaron’s favorite movie on leadership? The Matrix.
[33:35] Are leaders born or made?
[36:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Dave Lewis is the Vice President of Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc. Dave recognizes that many young foresters are introverts and they joined forestry so they could surround themselves with trees, not people. However, as we enter a new generation of foresters and forestry leaders, Dave believes they need to have loud voices, and to not be afraid to speak to the public about some of the dangers our environment faces.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] How did Dave get started in forestry?
[6:50] What was the transition like from employee to leader?
[8:55] Dave talks about the mentors that have made the biggest impact on him.
[11:25] What did Dave’s mentors see in Dave?
[12:40] How does Dave define leadership?
[14:25] How can someone learn leadership skills?
[15:10] To be a good leader, you have to get your hands dirty. You can’t learn everything from a book.
[16:35] What skills does Dave wish he learned sooner in his career?
[19:15] Remember, not everybody is going to be like you. People skills are highly important in this career.
[19:55] What’s some of the best advice Dave has received on leadership?
[21:00] Dave talks about the future of forestry.
[27:00] What piece of advice does Dave have for young leaders?
[28:35] What do we have to do differently to educate the public?
[32:00] What is Dave’s favorite book or movie on leadership?
[34:10] Are leaders born or made?
[36:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Bill Crapser is currently the State Forester for the Wyoming State Forestry Division. Bill is a well-accomplished forester who admits that being the boss isn't always easy. It does take a delicate balance between respecting others and making those tough decisions. Bill admits that 'listen more than you speak' is a bit of a buzzword these days, and although good advice, Bill warns young leaders to not let the talkers manipulate you into the bad or easy decision.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] How did Bill get interested in forestry?
[3:50] Who has influenced Bill in leadership throughout his career?
[5:00] What does Bill mean by micro- and macro-mentors?
[6:00] When did Bill first get a leadership position?
[7:15] What were some of Bill’s big takeaways from being volunteer leader?
[7:25] Being the boss ain't easy!
[8:10] Bill explains what it was like to get his first paid leadership position.
[9:40] What kind of advice does Bill have on how to lead older employees?
[10:05] You really have to listen more than you speak, but don't allow yourself to be manipulated by others!
[11:05] What prevents people from being more decisive and firm in their decisions?
[14:00] How does Bill define leadership?
[15:55] You have to give people the freedom to make mistakes.
[16:50] Why are mistakes good for leaders?
[21:15] What kind of advice does Bill give to his new foresters?
[25:40] As employers, the forestry industry tends to send mixed messages to universities on what students should be focusing on.
[30:00] Bill talks a little bit about the Wyoming forestry division.
[35:00] Bill shares one last piece of advice before he goes!
[37:30] What book does Bill recommend on leadership?
[43:10] Tom's Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode: