Podcasts

Season 1 | People You Should Know in Forestry and Natural Resources | Episode 2

#2 | If you’re not willing to step up, why are you in the Forest Service?

September 6, 2016 | Dale Bosworth

Dale Bosworth served the U.S. Forest Service for 41 years and retired as Chief in 2007. Dale’s knowledge and wisdom shines through in this interview, as he discusses what young leaders should be aware of as they enter into the Forest Service. Originally, Dale did not want to become a Chief, but if your team and crew are asking you to step up and you don’t want to, then why are you in the Forest Service in the first place?

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] How did Dale get started and what was his first position in forestry?

[5:15] When Dale first started, he received leadership training very early on.

[6:55] Dale talks about his mentors and role models over the years.

[9:20] What advice does Dale have for those who do not have a natural ‘learning’ mindset?

[10:20] Dale never aspired to become a Forest Service Chief, but people kept trying to encourage him to take on the position.

[11:45] If you’re not willing to step up when you’re asked to step up and do that job, why are you in the Forest Service?

[12:40] What are some ways people can step up in this career field?

[18:30] What are some of the top skills people need in order to become a successful leader?

[20:00] Dale believes the need for natural resource management is only going to increase in the future.

[22:40] Natural resource management needs to be a higher priority.

[23:40] What is Dale most proud of when he looks at a young emerging forestry professional?

[25:40] What’s one piece of advice Dale would like to leave the audience with?

[27:40] We learn the most from leading volunteers.

[28:10] What is Dale’s favorite book or movie?

[31:00] What are some of Dale’s favorite quotes on leadership?

[34:25] Are leaders born or are they made?

[35:50] You never stop learning and most importantly, you never stop serving―even after retirement!

[36:05] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!