Positive Culture Starts with You: Why Carers Need Praise Too

We’re always told to “catch them being good”—but what about the people doing the catching? In this solo episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker shines a spotlight on the forgotten ingredient of exceptional care: the carers, teachers, support workers, and parents doing the daily work of holding everything together. If we want positive outcomes, we must nurture positive environments—and that starts with recognising and valuing the people behind the care.

🎧 This is a free, listener-focused resource for anyone who wants to build stronger, more compassionate cultures from the inside out.

🤝 Sponsored by Carers Card UK

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🧰 Resources & Mentions

• PERMA Model by Dr. Martin Seligman

• Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan)

• Targeting the Positive by Andy Baker

📌 Three Key Takeaways

1. Recognition isn’t optional—it’s fuel for performance, morale, and retention.

2. Motivation thrives when staff feel autonomous, competent, and connected.

3. Positive team culture is contagious—model it, and it spreads to every pupil, resident, and family.

⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Catching Them Being Good: Why it matters more than you think 01:54 – Sponsored Message: Carers Card UK 02:15 – The True Cost of Neglecting Carers 03:02 – Intrinsic Motivation & Wellbeing Models 04:26 – Seligman, PERMA & Self-Determination Theory Explained 05:04 – Emotional Contagion and Organisational Culture 06:27 – Recognising Effort, Not Just Perfection 07:11 – Team Practices That Actually Work 08:21 – Peer Recognition & Praise With Meaning 09:13 – The Ripple Effect of Positive Culture 09:37 – Final Reflection & Your Next Step

🎯 Why Listen to This Episode?

If you're a parent, teacher, or care provider, this episode is your reminder that you matter too. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and culture starts with what you model. Whether you lead a classroom, manage a shift, or support someone at home, Andy’s insight will leave you equipped—and inspired—to build teams and families that thrive on recognition, not just responsibility.

🔗 Connect with Us

📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk

📣 Enjoyed Listening to this episode?

💬 Leave us a comment on Podbean 🔁 Share it with a colleague or team member ⭐ Subscribe so you never miss an episode Let’s start a culture of care—one ‘thank you’ at a time.