Scott Phillips is the State Forester for South Carolina’s Forestry Commission. As agency head, Scott provides oversight for all functions of the agency and works with a nine-member board to set agency policy and direction. Scott first got his start in 1999 as a Forester. On today’s show, Scott shares timeless wisdom about leadership and highly recommends for a young professional to attend a fire program to build key leadership skills. There is always an opportunity to lead up!

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:40] A quick intro about Scott’s background.

[3:20] How did Scott become interested in forestry?

[9:20] What did Scott’s first job look like?

[14:50] Scott sees it as a blessing being able to work in forestry every day.

[15:25] What was Scott’s first leadership position?

[19:00] You learn a lot about leadership when you’re in a fire program.

[22:05] If you stick with the status quo, you’re going to fall behind the curve.

[23:35] Scott shares what the South Carolina Forest Service is currently working on.

[30:10] The Forest Service recently celebrated their 90th anniversary.

[35:10] How does leadership change at this level?

[40:45] As a leader, don’t be so quick to speak up. It can quickly squash conversation, which can take away the power from your team.

[44:55] If you really want to make an impact, you gotta be able to communicate and listen.

[47:45] If your team is not performing to your expectations, then you’re doing something wrong.

Mentioned in This Episode:

State.sc.us/forest/

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