Leadership

Take short, focused steps to shape the desired habits and behaviors of employees.

My attitude and energy toward managing employees can ebb and flow as quickly as the tides, depending on the degree of heat I might be feeling from the perpetual daily fires. At my worst, I am angered by apathy or pettiness and wonder why people can’t just show up, do their jobs and get along. […]

Know what to do when employees refuse to sign a disciplinary notice.

You created disciplinary policies and procedures that are clear, fair and approved by your attorney. You carefully document misconduct and poor performance, and you discuss the acts with all relevant parties. But then an employee throws a curve ball by refusing to sign a disciplinary notice. You really want the signature as proof of the […]

Are you looking for a bonus pay system that is fair and sustainable? Start by incentivizing performance and encouraging cost savings.

When bonus pay becomes an end-of-year entitlement instead of a reward for a job well done and motivator for continued improvement, it’s no longer a bonus; it’s a gift. This year, consider an alternative program 
that is lucrative for hard-working employees and protects practice profitability. A core value of the hospital I manage is to […]

Sexual harassment in the workplace must be dealt with promptly, fairly and firmly.

The #MeToo movement started last fall with claims of sexual harassment and rape against movie producer Harvey Weinstein. Before long, dark shadows were cast over other powerful men — from entertainment personalities Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, Russell Simmons and James Franco to politicians Al Franken and Roy Moore. Although any accusation typically gets more publicity […]

Follow these 10 tips to better the patient and client experience and produce a more engaged and happier team.

Efficiency is something we strive for every day in practice life. But are you doing everything you can to achieve this goal? Here are some simple, commonly overlooked ways to make a big difference in the daily workflow. 1. Punctuality Everyone needs to be punctual — in the door, on the floor and ready to […]

An effective educator will engage and guide team members and identify diverse personalities and learning styles.

Training employees can be challenging. Differences in each person’s learning style can make your goal of reaching everyone feel a bit overwhelming. So, what is the secret to a well-trained staff? How do you effectively deal with different learning styles and different personalities? The secret is how you engage people during the training process. Let […]

Testing can help identify the right person for a job, but be sure to choose the right exam and to develop a policy for its use.

Workplace culture in a veterinary practice is significantly influenced by the personalities of the people who work there. So, it makes good sense to gain a clear understanding of personality assessments and how they can benefit a practice. In 2015, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published an in-depth piece about personality tests and […]

Practices should have clear written policies so everyone is aware of what they can do online during work hours and what is always inappropriate.

Telemedicine may come to mind when you think about internet legal issues that can affect veterinary practices. However, it’s not the only issue. Let’s examine three others. Social Media “Research” Social media makes finding information about people, including those you are considering hiring, so easy. But is searching on social media platforms for information about […]

Top-notch communication and protocols will wow clients and ensure the best possible care of their pets.

Veterinary technicians play a vital role in providing clients and patients with the ultimate surgery room experience. In fact, every employee who has contact with the client or the patient should understand what is involved from first touch to last. Surgery and anesthesia top the list of procedures that require our best effort in communication. […]

Here’s what you need to know about managing millennial employees, instituting drug testing and granting paid leave.

Recruiting, training and retaining quality employees is an ongoing challenge for veterinary practices of all sizes. Successfully doing so, though, is crucial if a practice is to thrive. Team members involved in human resources should know how to address the three key issues below. Let’s look at the issues, questions to consider and methods of […]