IPRA Today - And the winner is...

Lessons Learned...Some the Hard Way

After one of my earlier experiences with the board of commissioners I was lucky to be promoted to Director. I was working on my first brochure for the spring and the center of the brochure was always a calendar listing the events and highlights for the spring. The board liked to see the brochure before it went out to the public. Being Irish I thought it would be funny to mark the calendar on March 17th "Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Park Closed for the Holiday". This was only printed in the 5 copies the commissioners received, but they did not know this when I passed the brochure out at a board meeting. Quickly they came upon the calendar and quickly my job was in jeopardy. I was scrambling to explain it was just a joke. My lesson learned; there is a time and a place for practical jokes and the board meeting was definitely not the time or the place.

Being thrown into the position of Director and totally unprepared forced me to rely on others for advice. I quickly learned in the field of parks and recreation there are always people out there willing to share their wisdom. People like Jerry Handlon, Fred Hall, Keith Frankland and others answered my many questions. Lessons learned; don’t be afraid to ask and always be willing to share.

The experience I gained in Hickory Hills laid the foundation for my career. Whenever I had the opportunity to take on more responsibility, I took it. This helped me to advance and be better prepared for the jobs ahead. Whether it is within the agency you work for, or organizations like IPRA, when opportunity knocks make sure you answer. Within your own agency there are times when you need to step outside your area and take on new challenges to show your supervisors what you are capable of doing. Your involvement in outside organizations allows others to view your talents and possibly open doors in the future. Lesson learned; more responsibility can mean more opportunities.

Being young and having the title of Director of Parks and Recreation I could have got a big head and thought I was something special, but I had friends like John Wilson and Ray Ochromowicz who would knock me down a peg or two if I ever got too full of myself. It is important to know your perception of yourself may be different than what others think, and it's good to have friends who will tell you like it is. Even if you think you are doing a good job, it is good to ask your supervisor’s opinion to make sure you are on the same page. Lesson learned; perception is not always reality.

I still do like a good practical joke and given the opportunity I will be happy to play one on some unsuspecting friend. I guess some lessons are only learned the hard way.

John Curran, IPRA Chairman of the Board
Director, Tinley Park Park District

Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Rolek, P.C.

536 East Avenue, LaGrange, IL 60525 | Phone: 708-588-2280 | Fax : 708-354-0535