Biggest Challenges Faced by an Executive Director at Central Coast State Parks Association
Sierra's biggest challenge as a new Executive Director is learning to "let go and trust" their team, a shift from previous roles where direct control was possible. The process of empowering staff, handling mistakes, and finding solutions that leave everyone feeling positive while improving future performance presents the greatest learning curve in this leadership position.
Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Trust and Empowerment
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sierra Emrick
Executive Director
Central Coast State Parks Association
UCSB
No
Environmental & Related Sciences
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. The challenge of transitioning from a hands-on management style to a directorial role that involves more delegation and trust in a team.
2. The importance of learning to balance control and empowerment within a larger organizational structure.
3. The necessity of developing effective strategies for handling mistakes and implementing corrective measures while maintaining team morale and a positive work environment.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
The biggest challenge in this role, as I'm new to directing, is knowing when to step away and let others handle a situation, and when I need to engage and control it. In the past, I've been a coordinator or manager, where you really have control over a project or a piece of the organization.
But when you're large-scale and looking at all the pieces, you can't control everything. So, while it might sound like I'm a control freak, the hardest part is letting go and trusting your team. It's about empowering them to make the right calls.
It's also challenging to know how to handle things when they go wrong. We're all human, and we're all going to make mistakes. So, acknowledging that is important, but then figuring out how we can avoid making that mistake again and how we can do better.
I'd say that aspect of being a director is the most challenging for me: letting go of control and trusting my employees. When things go wrong, I need to know how to correct the situation in a way where everyone feels good about it, but also understands what needs to be done.