Engaging the Elephant

[DARCY to camera]

When you engage an Elephant: come prepared, come precise, come with the data.

ASSESS the specifics — they'll know if you didn't. APPROACH with a question, not a conclusion. LISTEN to what they don't say; Elephants hide frustration. ENGAGE on evidence, not feeling.

AFFIRM by naming the rigor — out loud, in writing if possible. TRACK with a written next step and a defined standard for 'good.'

Earn their trust through consistency and accuracy. Once you have it — they're the most reliable animal in the Zoo.

[FADE]