Improve Your Practice With Honest Communication
You got into the business of owning a veterinary practice because you are passionate about animal care.
Not because you wanted to “boss” people around.
The thing is, to be a good leader, you don’t have to boss people around.
You need to have Difficult conversations with your staff
Issues include the introduction of fee increases, new rules or processes creating confusion, or stressful clients causing frustration between staff.
Creating time and space to address these difficult topics will help you:
Avoid escalation: Unaddressed issues become issues blown out of proportion that risk permanent fractures in your team. Resolve these issues before they escalate by addressing and opening a dialogue as soon as the issue arises.
Maintain practice culture: One employee with a bad attitude or poor work ethic can spread negativity throughout the team. Address it head-on, state the facts, and express why these actions are harmful or negative. Don’t let the bad attitude fester.
Make employees feel valued: When you are open and honest with your staff, they will feel valued and listened to. Don’t dance around touchy topics. Address the why and discuss the difficulties.
Create space to communicate with your staff
To be a good leader, have open conversations with staff, even when the topic is difficult, touchy, or requires you to put your emotions aside.
As I say this, I’ve also had so many vets tell me they struggle with this and don’t feel comfortable having these difficult conversations.
You don’t have to.
Hire a practice manager to conduct these conversations for you.
Download my practice manager job description to use in your search for the ideal candidate.
