Gaining Influence In Your Agency with Chris Dropinski

Let's Talk Parks Podcast: Stories of Purpose-Driven Parks and Recreation Professionals

It's in our DNA to want more influence. Especially as Parks & Recreation professionals, we want our voice to be heard. We want our share our ideas, relay insights from our patrons, and be respected as a leader in our agencies.

Too often, we wait for a promotion or status to decide that we have *enough* power to influence. But as Chris Dropinski points out in this week's episode, real power is something that is earned, not given. "Effective influencing is a skill and a very valuable one; power is not a skill, it is a result."

This means that TODAY we each have an opportunity to influence others. In fact, we influence all the time. Everything we do can cause a chain reaction - just imagine the impact you've already made.

Knowing that you already have influence, the key now is to use it for good. This week's episode is an in-depth conversation around how to influence without alienating others. Enjoy!

Meet Chris Dropinski: Her current role as co-owner and Senior Principal at GreenPlay, spanning 20 years, builds on a strong foundation of 24 years of Parks and Recreation administration with nearly half of that as Director of the City of Boulder, Colorado, Parks and Recreation Department. Armed with a teaching degree in addition to her P&R Administration degree, Chris has passionately helped move our profession forward, taking advantage of opportunities to serve in leadership and faculty positions ranging from non-profits and foundations, to the NRPA Rocky Mountain Revenue and Management School, and the National Association of Park Foundations.

As a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive, a fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and experienced consultant she continues to help organizations remain relevant in our ever-changing environment. Living in Colorado with her husband Mike is extraordinary, and motherhood has been the joy of her life.