This episode kicks off a brand new, reoccurring series on the podcast called "The Behaviors of..." which will dive into the human side of the animal care field. Starting this series off is Dave O'Connell and Kyle Alexander, Bearizona, discussing the behaviors of a unified, supportive team. Dave and Kyle talk about what team behaviors have helped to create a healthy, positive work culture at Bearizona and the importance of focusing not just on the animals, but also the people. Dave and Kyle also discuss the benefits of celebrating everyone's uniqueness, changing a culture from competitive to collaborative, creating a "circle of reinforcement" in a team, and building up trust accounts amongst coworkers and leadership. Stay tuned in for Kyle's "Training Tale" about a jaguar and, in the spirit of the episode, he also talks about some the awesome training of others at Bearizona. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and to reach Dave contact dave@bearizona.com and to reach Kyle contact keepers@bearizona.com  Let's talk some training!
4:50 Intro to Dave O’Connell and Kyle Alexander 
7:20 Behaviors of a Unified, Supportive Team 
10:30 Celebrating everyone’s uniqueness 
14:30 How to ask if you can try something new
16:50 Creating a culture of healthy accountability 
22:25 Cultivating a “circle of reinforcement” where everyone gives credit and celebrates their coworkers successes 
 25:55 Changing the culture from competitive to collaborative 
32:35 We are here for the animals and for the people 
36:05 Information about Behavior Month 2023
39:40 Building up trust accounts with coworkers and leadership
48:35 Everyone on a team can be a leader  
1:02:50 “Training Tale”