In this episode, Chris and Jeremy take a lesson from nature — and from beavers, specifically — to explore what happens when we try to do work we weren’t built for. Using Patrick Lencioni’s Six Types of Working Genius framework, they show how leaders and teams can align their work with their natural sources of energy to avoid burnout, boost motivation, and build more resilient teams.

Chris shares how this understanding reshaped how he leads his team at Des Moines County Conservation, while Jeremy offers examples from his fieldwork in western Iowa that show how simple awareness of “what fills your cup” can transform the way we approach our work.

Along the way, they reveal why:

• Beavers can’t not build dams — and what that means for you
• Sometimes we feel like squirrels doing beavers’ jobs (and vice versa)
• “Energy mapping” your team can help you assign work that fuels rather than drains
• Language frameworks like Working Genius help identify what gives energy vs. what depletes it
• Leaders should encourage their people to find and follow their “thing,” even when that means letting them go

If you’ve ever wondered why some parts of your job feel effortless while others leave you exhausted, this episode will give you the tools and language to start changing that — for yourself and your team.

Want to figure out where your energy is going — and where it’s getting blocked?

Go to www.ParksandRestoration.com to download our free Workplace Energy Audit to help you and your team identify what gives and drains energy at work.

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About Parks and Restoration

Better leaders. Better parks.

Parks and Restoration is THE show for current and rising leaders in the parks, conservation, and natural resource professions. Every two weeks, you get new episodes that explore key leadership concepts and how they apply to you and your team.

Great parks and healthy lands and waters are the products of strong leadership. We aim to help you become that leader.

Join the movement (and get the free Energy Audit download) at ⁠⁠www.ParksandRestoration.com⁠⁠