Understanding Behavior: Leadership Lessons from the Virginia Zoo

Club members were excited to welcome Chris Jenkins, who stepped into his role as the Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo in September. Chris brings a dynamic background to Norfolk, including his recent role as Chief Operating Officer of Natural Encounters, Inc., along with previous experience as an Education Programs Presenter for the Walt Disney Company and a Park Operations Host at SeaWorld San Diego.

His expertise as a front-line animal trainer also applies to team training. Training humans is much like training animals. How do you train a flock of birds to fly to a location, perch together among people and then all return to original location at a given time?

Chris walked the attentive Rotarians through a speed course on the basics of this behavioral training. Every decision that an animal makes is to get something or to avoid something therefore as a framework we use the ABCs for behavioral training. What are the Antecedent factors or conditions, occurring before the behavior. Next, what is the Behavior (desired or undesired) and then what are the Consequences of the behavior. Looking at things that reinforce or punish the behavior, requires understanding of the side effects of punishment such as aggression or generalized fear. 

Chris closed by highlighting the implications for leadership and communication perhaps even in Rotary.  First keep in mind, we all are each other’s environment; recognizing the 50% rule - we are half and only half of every situation. Take responsibility for your animal behavior, avoiding labels and remember control is a powerful reinforcer. 

Rotarians asked Chris whether this training could be used on problem squirrels and possibly one’s spouse and family? How do we work together in our club and in our community and the world? 

REMINDER! No Noon Meeting on December 16th. The End of the Year Soiree will happen that evening at 5:30PM at the Town Point Club.