As a DVM owner or manager of a privately owned veterinary practice, you know the daily grind can feel like herding cats—chaotic, frustrating, and sometimes toxic. At Applause – The Standing Ovation Practice, we believe your practice can be a place of harmony, where your team thrives and your clients rave. The secret? Effective communication. Here’s how to transform your practice from friction-filled to a standing-ovation-worthy operation, tailored specifically for you, the veterinary leader.
Why Communication Matters for Your Practice
Running a veterinary practice isn’t just about treating patients—it’s about aligning your team to execute your vision flawlessly. Without clear agreements on how tasks (or “plays” in your practice’s Playbook) are performed, friction creeps in. Disagreements, mistakes, and resentment pile up, leaving you dreading the chaos or burning out from picking up the slack. Agreement, as defined by harmony in opinion and action, is the antidote. And it starts with communication.
The Friction Trap: Mistakes and Type-A Burnout
Veterinary professionals, including you, often lean Type-A—perfectionists who demand excellence. That drive delivers top-tier care but can make mistakes feel like personal failures. When team members fumble due to unclear expectations or lack of training, frustration festers. You might find yourself staying late, fixing errors, or taking on tasks to avoid more slip-ups. Sound familiar? This cycle fuels burnout and saps the joy from your practice.
Communication: Your Path to a Standing Ovation
Derived from the Latin “communicare” (to share), communication is about creating shared understanding. It’s not just barking orders—it’s sparking those “light bulb” moments where your team gets it. Here’s how to make communication your superpower as a practice owner:
1. Build a Training System That Sticks
Your Playbook—your standard operating procedures (SOPs)—is only as good as your team’s ability to execute it. A robust training system ensures everyone knows their role. Ditch the “read it and go” approach. Instead, use a gradient method:
- Study: Provide clear, written SOPs and short, engaging training videos.
- Practice: Run drills to build muscle memory (e.g., role-play client check-ins or surgical prep).
- Correct: Offer feedback privately to refine skills without bruising egos.
- Repeat: Reinforce habits through repetition.
This approach turns confusion into confidence, reducing errors and aligning your team for harmony.
2. Master the Art of Correction
Mistakes happen, but how you handle them sets the tone. Public criticism kills morale, while private, kind correction builds trust. Follow this golden rule: Praise in public, correct in private. When a tech mishandles a procedure, pull them aside, explain the SOP, and practice it together. Then, in your next huddle, publicly celebrate a team win—like a smooth surgery day—to keep spirits high.
3. Foster Team Alignment
Communication isn’t a one-way street. It’s a dynamic exchange that creates unity. Use these tools to keep your team on the same page:
- Daily Huddle (10 minutes): Before opening, share yesterday’s successes (e.g., “Great job handling that emergency, Sarah!”) and outline the day’s priorities. It’s a quick morale boost and alignment check.
- Weekly Staff Meeting (30 minutes): Share key metrics (e.g., client satisfaction scores) and reinforce SOPs. Keep it positive—save tough feedback for private one-on-ones.
- Open Dialogue: Encourage your team to speak up. If someone’s struggling, talk it out before grudges form.
4. Avoid Communication Pitfalls
Even the best intentions can misfire. Watch out for these barriers:
- Overloading: Don’t dump a 50-page manual on a new hire. Break training into bite-sized chunks.
- Jargon: Skip complex terms until basics are mastered (e.g., explain “aseptic technique” in plain terms first).
- Theory Overload: Pair explanations with hands-on practice to cement understanding.
The Payoff: A Friction-Free Practice
When communication flows, your practice hums. Team members execute SOPs with precision, clients notice the seamless care, and you spend less time putting out fires. Instead of dreading the day, you’ll walk into a practice where everyone’s pulling in the same direction—earning that standing ovation from staff and clients alike.
Action Items for Veterinary Practice Owners
Ready to make your practice shine? Start here:
- Launch a Daily Huddle: Kick off each day with a 10-minute team sync to celebrate wins and set goals.
- Schedule Weekly Meetings: Keep them short, positive, and focused on metrics and SOPs.
- Build Your Training System: Create written SOPs and short videos. Assign a trainer to guide new hires through study, practice, and feedback.
- Talk It Out: Foster open, kind communication. If tension brews, address it directly and privately.
- Praise Loudly, Correct Quietly: Boost morale with public shout-outs and refine skills behind closed doors.
Your Standing Ovation Awaits
As a DVM owner or manager, you have the power to transform your practice into a place of harmony and excellence. By prioritizing clear, kind communication and a rock-solid training system, you’ll eliminate friction, empower your team, and create a practice that earns Applause. Take these steps today, and watch your practice become the talk of the town—for all the right reasons.
