This episode continues on "The Behaviors of..." series which dives into the people side of the animal care field. This episode, which is a continuation of episode 29, Dave O’Connell, Bearizona, discusses “The Behaviors of a Unified and Supportive Team”.  The biggest takeaway from the entire episode is that one of the most important behaviors of a supportive team is the ability to talk with another.  Through talking with one another we are able to create shared team goals, disagree in a productive and positive manner, give and receive growth minded feedback, and provide effective corrective feedback.  Dave discusses that the behaviors of effective feedback include being timely, being specific, and being kind.  Dave finishes off the learning by talking about the behaviors of creating supportive and growth-minded team culture. Stay tuned in for Dave’s  "Training Tale" about how the Bearizona team continues their learning journey through “Lunch and Learns”. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠[email protected]⁠ and to contact Dave email [email protected]

For more information on the ABMA’s virtual conference visit this link: ⁠https://www.theabma.org/virtual-conference⁠

To submit an abstract for the ABMA 2026 annual conference visit this link: ⁠https://www.theabma.org/abma-annual-conference

• 4:50 Introduction to Dave O’Connell 

• 13:25 Creating shared goals 

• 20:50 How to disagree well? 

• 25:20 The behaviors of a team with a growth mindset 

• 29:30 Giving and receiving constructive, growth-based feedback 

• 41:20 Giving effective corrective feedback? 

• 47:25 Advice for approaching leadership with feedback and suggestions? 

• 55:15 The behaviors of a team with a unified and supportive culture

• 1:03:00 “Training Tales”