In this episode of TALA TALKS, Anthony explores a powerful leadership lesson from The Voice: how to recognize potential without confusing it with readiness. He shares why “not yet” can be one of the most developmental messages a leader gives—and introduces a simple coaching framework: Potential. Readiness gap. Development. Practice. Reassessment.

It’s a practical reminder that strong leaders don’t lower the standard—they help people close the gap.

Related Material:

The Association for Talent Development offers resources on creating effective mentoring programs. https://www.td.org/

Edmondson, A. C. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383. https://doi.org/10.2307/2666999

Kluger, A. N., & DeNisi, A. (1996). The effects of feedback interventions on performance: A historical review, a meta-analysis, and a preliminary feedback intervention theory. Psychological Bulletin, 119(2), 254–284. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.119.2.254

The Voice Australia. (2024, August 19). Season 13, Episode 1 [Television series episode]. Seven Network. https://youtu.be/W6AB_73AT4k?si=Rxt-P1FzMzP8thrd

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at anthony.ormsbee-hale@tala.org.

A parasite is moving through the U.S. food supply right now. And the thing most likely to protect your residents this week isn't anywhere in your infection control binder. It's in how your kitchen orders produce.

In this episode of TALATalks, Anthony Ormsbee-Hale uses the ongoing cyclospora outbreak to walk Texas assisted living Executive Directors through two decisions that belong to them alone: closing the gap between your approved supplier chain and what actually shows up in your kitchen, and knowing exactly when to pick up the phone and call your local health authority.

You'll also get practical guidance on connecting your dietary team's food safety training to infection prevention, a rundown of CDC's free Project Firstline training modules, and a communication framework for families and residents when something is spreading in your building.

The four questions to ask your dietary manager

1. Where does our fresh produce come from, and can you show me an invoice?
2. Is anything we're buying right now under recall?
3. When's the last time we ran short and sent somebody to the store, and what did they come back with?
4. If I told you today to pull every raw leafy green and fresh herb garnish for two weeks, what would you serve instead?

Resources:

Texas Notifiable Conditions: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/notifiable-conditions

FDA investigation, cyclospora and iceberg lettuce (July 2026): https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

Project Firstline home: https://www.cdc.gov/project-firstline/index.html

Please consult with your local health department and corporate policies before making decisions related to infection control policies and practices. Information presented in this episode is believed to be accurate at the time of recording but may change over time.

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at anthony.ormsbee-hale@tala.org.

What can senior living leaders learn from a simple tradition practiced by the U.S. Supreme Court?

In this episode of TALATalks, we explore the surprising power of organizational rituals and why the small, repeated actions leaders often overlook can have an outsized impact on culture, trust, and team performance. Inspired by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's description of the Justices' longstanding handshake tradition, we examine how meaningful rituals help organizations navigate disagreement, strengthen relationships, encourage psychological safety, and provide stability during times of change.

Drawing on examples from senior living, healthcare, hospitality, aviation, manufacturing, and professional sports, we'll discuss the difference between routines and rituals, why employees learn culture through experience rather than mission statements, and how leaders can intentionally create practices that reinforce what matters most.

Whether you're leading a senior living community, managing a team, or shaping organizational culture, this episode offers practical insights into building trust and strengthening your organization—one small ritual at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between routines and rituals
• How rituals communicate organizational values
• Why trust is built before conflict occurs
• The role of psychological safety in high-performing teams
• How rituals create stability during uncertainty
• Common mistakes that turn meaningful rituals into empty gestures

Question to Consider: What rituals exist in your organization, and what are they teaching people about your culture?

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at anthony.ormsbee-hale@tala.org.