The Non-Confrontational Leader

The often unnoticed group that keeps zoos and aquariums running in top shape are the facilities teams. Covering a wide array of skills, knowledge of experience, these talented team members are the ones that are sometimes overlooked but provide the safe, fun, engaging environment that we all know and love! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It seems so harmless to have a leader that doesn't seem to want to upset anyone, but this sort of stand-offish behavior can be a problem for everyone in the long run. How nice is too nice? Today we discuss! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Why would an aquarium or zoo invite guests to see behind-the-scenes areas? What might the reasoning for positioning a camera crew to record keeper, aquarist, and veterinary work? Today we discuss why many of our institutions opt to show off what we do when it comes to animal care. Transparency is important! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

As common as micromanaging tends to be, it's important to understand how these behaviors come to be and why people might lean into micromanaging habits. There are ways to correct the issue, allowing those managed to grow and  innovate as well as increase the effectiveness and knowledge of the leader themselves. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Perceptions are not just important to manage on a personal level, but an organizational one as well. Today we discuss the identity management at a higher level and decision-making around perception of an institution and their work. There are many ways to handle it well, but there's a high potential for mistakes, too! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

You may not ponder what others think of you much, but there are some benefits to having an understanding of how you and your work are being perceived. Today we discuss why it's important to at least have an idea of what others may read in your words and actions, giving you a chance to correct and adjust! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

We use data-driven empathy regularly to improve welfare for our animals, so how might we be able to use similar skills for people?  You don't have to be a leader to use data to improve someone's day, but being an animal care professional means you can take skills that you already have an apply them in a different and meaningful way! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

The term "data-driven empathy" may seem contradictory, but it is important to understand what the numbers and the atmosphere are indicating about the health of your workplace. Paying attention to the numbers as well as the people aid in making appropriate and effective change to increase the welfare of all! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

One of the most challenging things that animal care professionals have to do is introducing animals to one another. Today we discuss the methods we can use to make the transition smoother and all the things we think about before allowing animals to share the same space. Let's talk animal introductions! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

There's a certain challenge to convincing others to go along with an idea or initiative that you're proposing, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind to help the process. Just one person can be enough to start a movement, so approach with curiosity and understanding, and soon enough you'll have the support to get things done! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple