Little research has been done about how music played in retail and office settings affects employees. So, a group of Cornell PhDs recruited 188 undergrads to participate in a voluntary contribution mechanism experiment. It measures and manipulates cooperative behavior among research subjects. One third of the group listened to “happy” music, another third listened to “unhappy” … [Read more...]
First impressions count
Conversations designed to influence others often fail because of the way they begin. How you open the interaction, especially a potentially difficult or important one, has everything to do with how the other person responds. So, it is important to consider some of the mistakes leaders make when they attempt to gain buy-in and commitment. Source: Dialogue Works, August 28, … [Read more...]
Introversion, the veterinary edition
Dean Scott, DVM, discusses the challenges of introversion versus extroversion from the veterinarians’ perspective. Introverts are naturally quiet and internalized; behaviors that extroverts may interpret as signs of aloofness or arrogance. Introvert’s interactions with people are draining. They also exert a lot of energy pretending to be an extrovert. I read once that if the … [Read more...]
JAVMA contents in latest issue
The table of contents for the September issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Association is linked below. We are pleased to see the study, Impact of a chapter book and collectible cards describing the lives of seven veterinarians on third-grade students' career aspirations and expectations. The survey measured the response of 176 third graders to career education … [Read more...]
Catheters suspect in hospital-acquired infections
Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections most commonly originate from IV catheters and should be suspected in any patient with an IV catheter that develops systemic inflammatory response syndrome without an extravascular infection source. Adoption of hospital-cleaning protocols and standard operating procedures for clinical tasks enables all members of the veterinary team to … [Read more...]
Alternatives to in-house product sales
Alan Newport reviews the trend of product sales moving to sources outside of clinics. Though directed to livestock veterinary practices, the key points are valid for all practices. Source: Beef Vet, Fall 2016, page 24. Newport addresses three choices: Stop actively marketing drugs and supplies Write prescriptions to be filled from an online pharmacy Partner with … [Read more...]
Apply customer service principles to your vet business
Glenn Muske, North Dakota State University, looks at a veterinary businesses as a combination of retail store and service center. He suggests that emphasizing customer shopping assistance and customer service outside the exam room is worthwhile. Source: Beef Vet, Fall 2016, page 14. Muske tells people that helping a customer who walks in the door is tough without asking the … [Read more...]
What’s trending at Animal Health Digest
Every market creates its version of the top five or 10 list. Our Animal Health Digest team uses views and clicks to understand what our subscribers read. The results shape the focus of what we “read for animal health professionals.” AHD is a free service for all levels of personnel in our industry. The AHD Bulletin is published weekly and delivered on Thursdays via email. We … [Read more...]
Mitigate mistakes
Tracy Dowdy, CVPM, discusses prevention and management of the inevitable mistakes that happen, particularly in a fast-paced veterinary practice. Creating a better working environment for team members and clients includes these actions: Ensure the practice does as much as possible to help team members avoid making wrong decisions or acting inappropriately Acknowledge … [Read more...]
Type A designation to go up in smoke?
In the category of “WHAT?” we offer this piece on how the origin of Type A personalities has research funding origins from tobacco companies. As the old saying goes, “put that in your pipe and smoke it.” Source: Science of US, August 22, 2016. Detail-oriented as they are, the Type A’s among us may be interested to know three curious facts concerning the origin story of … [Read more...]
NAVTA now recognizes 13 veterinary technician specialties
The Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians has been recognized as an official specialty by NAVTA as of August 16. The NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties (CVTS) was formed in 1994 and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The CVTS provides guidelines to veterinary technician organizations to facilitate the formation of a specialty … [Read more...]
VFD tools for clients available for free
Good record-keeping is critical to making the new Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) work well. As veterinarians help clients prepare to implement VFD by January 1, 2017, two new tools can help. Source: Beef, August 4, 2016. (registration required for download) Bill Halfman and Sandy Stuttgen have developed a VFD Order Records Summary Sheet, one a PDF-based download for paper … [Read more...]
7 ways youngsters can succeed with elders
It is common for young people to lead teams that include people older than them. This can cause rifts from older to younger and vice versa. Dan Rockwell says the onus for creating understanding and benefit is mostly on the younger set. Yet, he admits both elders and youngsters may feel the other doesn’t get it. He offers seven great tips to make these relationships … [Read more...]
Engaged employees are more productive
When employees are engaged with their work they are more productive and make positive contributions to their organizations. So it is disturbing to learn that worldwide only one in every eight employees is actively engaged. While engagement rates were the highest in Canada and the United States, the level of disengagement was still in excess of 50 percent. So, David and Arthur … [Read more...]
How to have a great one-on-one
Often there’s a problem that needs discussing, but your boss always seems too busy. So, you keep it quiet and hope it goes away. Sound familiar? Without regular one-on-ones, team members' work might be overlooked and development opportunities forgotten. Other workplace problems, such as team disputes or mistakes, could also get ignored. Good one-on-ones are the cornerstone of … [Read more...]
Handling scheduled drugs requires teamwork
Team accountability sums up this article about scheduled drug handling. Too frequently, we forget that inventory is managed best by a trained, knowledgeable team. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, August 2016, page 13. Team Takeaways: Veterinarians: Each veterinarian should carry his or her own individual DEA license, as well as any required state licensure, to ensure … [Read more...]
Best price does not guarantee best value
Andrew R. Clark, DVM, MBA, details the cost of shopping for the best price. His calculations are worth reviewing. Beyond the cost of shopping, there is also the cost of a separate purchase order, another check needed to pay an extra invoice and the likelihood of a separate box to receive, verify and stock with the “deal” purchased. Source: Is My Practice Healthy?, August 12, … [Read more...]
Inventory availability critical to distributor relationships
Eric Jensen shares his thoughts on how customers value distribution based on a survey of wholesale distributors. The results place inventory availability nearly as important as relationships. Technical support ranked third, while delivery time and price ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Source: Industrial Distribution, August 12, 2016. If you are a distributor, while … [Read more...]
Are you really listening?
“They’re not listening to me.” This is one of the more common complaints I hear when working with individuals and groups to enhance their communication and leadership skills. Listening to be polite, listening to respond or listening just to let them vent, are just a few of the reasons for the breakdown in communication today. Source: Vet Advantage: June, 2016. Respecting … [Read more...]
Embracing the open pet pharmaceutical transition
Results from the 2015 Pet Pharmaceutical Market Study, a collaboration of Brakke Consulting, Inc., and Trone Brand Energy are summarized in three main areas: Tracking the portable pet prescription movement Diminishing veterinary pharmacy revenues Veterinary pharmacy revenue loss coping strategies The study collected responses from U.S. companion animal … [Read more...]
Preparing for IRS Section 179 tax deductions
The end of the year will be here before you know it. Now is a good time to look into those capital equipment options to help take advantage of the IRS Section 179 tax deductions. Pam Foster shares information targeted for distribution representatives in this two-part series. The information is applicable to veterinary teams as well. Source: Vet Advantage Blog. Starting … [Read more...]
Dr. Little’s students write for Exponential Vet
Summer participants in the Veterinary Student Innovation Program write about what might be coming. The veterinary students have been working alongside early stage animal health companies to help bridge the gap between technology and the veterinary practice. See their contributions on the following topics: Turning suture material into biological sensors Starving cancer … [Read more...]
Self-awareness key to improvement
Working in the leadership development industry for more than 25 years, I have found that unconscious incompetence is the starting point for most positive interventions. We often get in our own way and have no idea that we are the problem. So, this article attracted my attention. Source: Source: LinkedIn Pulse, July 20, 2016. Self-awareness, one of the four key components of … [Read more...]
Quitting is not failure
Andy Roark, DVM, MS, shares an experience and perspectives with a veterinary technician working in a challenging practice environment. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, August, 4, 2016. That’s why the goal in life should never be to overcome all obstacles, but rather to recognize which obstacles should be overcome, and which ones you should just turn and walk away from. We have three … [Read more...]
Minimize distractions
The Mind Tools editorial team offers the 10 most common distractions faced at work and examines strategies for managing or eliminating them. Implementing these measures should mean that you, and your team members, get more done. Source: Mind Tools, August 2, 2016 via newsletter. Dr. Gloria Mark, Professor of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine, says that … [Read more...]
Finding a rhythm at work
Rhythm on a monthly, weekly and daily basis can create the order and flexibility you need for your work and time to flow in harmony. Elizabeth Grace Saunders suggests, “it’s time to discover your cadence.” This piece will appeal to those of us who are challenged with time management, energy management and juggling of priorities. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 14, … [Read more...]
AJVR – research continues
I often wish consumers could understand the amount of research that goes into keeping animals healthy. This issue of the American Journal of Veterinary Research is a reflection of our industry’s commitments to discovery and understanding. Source: AJVR, August 2016 (Vol 77; No. 8: pp. 792-912). (Link to table of contents only) … [Read more...]
New from JAVMA
The latest issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Association is linked below. Source: JAVMA, August 1, 2016 (Vol 249; No. 3: pp. 246-324). Learn “What’s in this issue” including an insightful send-off for AVMA executive vice president and CEO, Ron DeHaven as he retires. INSIGHTS: Congratulations to Dr. Ron DeHaven who will end his responsibilities on … [Read more...]
Combat chronic stress with breathing
Media sources are full of articles these days about suicide in the veterinary profession. Intense experiences are commonplace and stress is inevitable. But, with awareness and a little skill, its negative impacts are not. The authors share perspective and outline a technique called intentional breathing. Directed at those in leadership positions, we recognize that all animal … [Read more...]
The routine exam video
Videos help set expectations for clients and educate new staff members. Consider this one for websites, blogs and newsletters. Link to it for new clients coming to your practice or use it during school or group presentations. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, July 27, 2016. Preventive care visits are an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. But what does a … [Read more...]