AquatiZoo podcast

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

Have you ever wondered how these different types of businesses operate? Today we discuss the things that are the same as well as the things that differ between the operation of AZA accredited for profit animal institutions and a non-profit animal institutions. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple  

Believe it or not, you can get better at participation in the interview process! A bit of time spent preparing for these conversations can go a long way to help you find a team and organization that matches your abilities, values, and mission very well. Today, we discuss the skill of interviewing. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lo...

It's not just about the animals, or, it shouldn't be, at least. Despite our focus on providing great care for the animals, there is a need to spend time and effort cultivating relationships with each other. Our jobs have multiple dimensions, and ignoring one only serves to hamper oneself. Today we discuss the importance of valuing everyone on your team! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalva...

Accountability can a difficult thing to maintain in a group. Today we discuss the core issues at hand when people need to be held accountable for their actions (or inaction) and how we can handle this with empathy, understanding, and professionalism. Holding someone accountable does not have to ruin a relationship! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationpl...

There are many things to consider if you have the luxury of time to prepare for a situation that may impact work. In certain cases, there are many layers of decisions to be made and preparations to handle for an impending issue. Today we discuss the many things that zoos and aquariums are pondering when they weather... the weather! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www....

As if the work of hiring wasn't difficult enough, it's important to evaluate whether the best fit for a position is likely to come from a candidate already within the organization or to search out someone from outside the facility. Today we discuss the pros and cons that these different types of candidates bring to the table. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magica...

It's a fun little add-on to the day, but there are a lot of hidden purposes and benefits to booking a tour behind the scenes. Whether your interest is in seeing unusual equipment, care techniques, asking lots of questions, or simply learning how the magic happens, the best way to get an idea for how an organization works is to take advantage of this special opportunity! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l...

The beginning of a new year is a great time to take a look at how things have been going and where some changes might be needed. A good way to keep the mind and body active and make improvements is to get interested and learn something new! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Today is a deep dive into how we make decisions regarding how many animals to place in a given enclosure or space. There are many factors involved, but ultimately aquariums and zoos are trying to make the best decisions they can for optimal animal health and wellbeing! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

If you're not familiar with the term, you're very likely familiar with the feeling of a workplace where psychological safety has been established or where it was not. Unlocking creativity, innovation, and honesty requires some measure of freedom to express oneself authentically. A successful organization prioritizes a psychologically safe environment for its employees. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l....

It's one of the most common questions that we hear in the aquarium and zoo field. People naturally want to know how long animals live and sometimes the lifespans of animals in human care are compared to the lifespans of their counterparts in the wild. There are many factors at play, but let's discuss the lifespans of animals! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magica...

Often our organizations are structured in such a way that we have the potential for several supervisors, and their requests may differ. How might one prioritize or navigate a situation when there is more than one supervisor with a request? Today we discuss some options for how one might approach this complicated scenario. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvac...