AquatiZoo podcast

Unfortunately, retaliation is just sneaky enough to weave itself into the fabric of an organization. How might that happen? What does it look like? Today we discuss the tricky environment that develops when retaliation permeates the culture... and what to do about it! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple  

Some animals present a special challenge to even the most seasoned of trainers. It's not impossible to train invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. More consideration needs to be placed on their welfare and perception capabilities, but if you know how to go about it, training can be beneficial for both the animals and their caretakers. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplan...

It might be the overt acts that are against an organization's policies, it could be behavior that is much more subtle and difficult to identify. While we can't always determine intent, we can make note of changes in relationships and talk it out to avoid a snowballing effect and resentment. Let's discuss the more difficult to label behaviors of subtle retaliation. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.sempl...

The wildest animal in any zoo or aquarium is not necessarily a big cat or a bear or a shark! Today we discuss the wildest entity of them all, how we deal with them, and why it's a necessity that we keep them around. We spend a lot of time and resources planning for whatever they might do, and even then, we're still surprised! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magica...

Most of us have had interactions with others that didn't quite go as intended. It can take a fair amount of practice and time to think back on those instances and identify exactly what went wrong. If you consider it carefully, however, there may be a chance to salvage that relationship and make it stronger than ever. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacation...

Animal welfare is a concern for all, whether you're employed by an animal care institution or not. If you see something questionable in your visit to or work in an aquarium or zoo, there are ways to bring it to the staff's attention and they are obligated to investigate. We take these reports seriously, and we, too want to be sure the animals have the best welfare! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semp...

It may be intentional, or it may not be. Regardless of the reasoning, dealing with someone who is hoarding information or gatekeeping in the workplace can be very frustrating. Today we discuss the challenges and opportunities involved with gatekeeping. Yay? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

The question we hear most often is whether animals should be in human care. Is it ethical? Are there circumstances where it is or is not? Today we wade into the thorny topic of how and why zoos and aquariums exist, as well as how they've changed over time. Is it enough that we've learned a lot and continue to perfect our techniques in the hopes that we're making a difference for animals in their n...

Now that we have discussed so many different behaviors that might be problematic, it's time to talk about what might be a better option. Whether you have actual authority or not, you have the power to do the right thing, adjust your behavior, and influence others to do the same. Be the change you want to see! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner....

Aquariums and zoos may not always have the expertise on staff needed to accomplish all of the work that needs to be done. We hire companies and partners to help us out an our visitors may never know the difference! Today we discuss how vendors and suppliers are a necessary and sometimes seamless addition to our operations. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalva...

Another challenging type of behavior seen in leaders and peers can be someone who takes credit for the work of others. Today, we discuss how this behavior may come to be, how to recognize it, and options of what to do in response. It's challenging, but can be handled with grace, maturity, and still have good outcomes. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacatio...

There's a group of well-dressed professionals dreaming big and mapping the road to success in any aquarium or zoo, and guests may not even realize it. Today we discuss the unique talents of the administrative team and how their work is crucial to the success of the organization. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

There is a time and place to use the authoritarian leadership style. When it is used as the default leadership style, however, it can cause problems in the workplace. Today we discuss the necessity, navigation, benefits, and drawbacks of authoritarian leadership. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com 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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.co...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanne...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacation...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/s...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.co...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/sta...

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 l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com...

When you have a job that is very physical in nature, planning by required if something like an injury or similar issue come into play. While unpleasant to consider having to alter the work you enjoy, it is a good idea to have an eye on the future to continue growing and be (sort of) ready for surprises ahead. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner....

Why might someone be on the verge of losing a job for inaction? What else might be happening under the surface? Is it worth trying to help someone who may be struggling with initiative in the workplace? Let's talk about it! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple