Can a small, simple adjustment, or nudge, change our behavior for the better? Richard Thaler, a University of Chicago professor who studies behavioral economics and finance, in addition to decision-making psychology believes it can. He’s even written a book titled, Nudge. Source: TED Radio Hour, June 24, 2016, first segment. If you want to encourage people to do something, … [Read more...]
Steps to take when feeling burned out
Research shows that burnout occurs when the demands people face on the job outstrips the resources they have to meet them. Certain types of demands are more likely to tax people to the point of burnout, especially a heavy workload, intense pressure and unclear or conflicting expectations. Source: Harvard Business Review, June 20, 2016. If you think you might be experiencing … [Read more...]
Stereotypes impact older workers
Older workers are generally seen as less motivated, less willing to engage in training and career development programs, more resistant to change, not as trusting, more likely to have health problems that affect their work and more vulnerable to work-family conflicts. In addition, there’s evidence older workers are likely to further stereotype themselves on the basis of what … [Read more...]
Get up again
In case you haven’t noticed, life in the real world is a series of ups and downs. Life in a veterinary practice is a microcosm of the world around us. It too, has a series of good days and others we would just as soon forget. Most of us handle the good days with grace and thankfulness. The real test is how we react on the really bad days. Source: Laurie Joyce, LinkedIn, June … [Read more...]
10 things never to say in an email
Email is a great tool, but live conversations or meetings in person are better ways to communicate lengthy points of view or work through emotionally charged discussions. The 10 tips here will come in handy, especially when biting one’s tongue is in order. Source: Forbes, June 12, 2016. There is always a better way to communicate your strong feelings than to dash off an … [Read more...]
A big ego could make you less successful
Having an inflated ego can harm your career by reducing your connection to others and stunting your ability to maintain relationships, writes Ryan Holiday. "Confidence is based on what is real — it is earned," Holiday writes. "Ego is based on delusion and wishful thinking — it is artifice." Source: 99U, June 2016. The idea that only the swaggering, all-knowing, and … [Read more...]
Effective hot spot treatment
Paul Bloom, DVM, compares pyotraumatic dermatitis and pyotraumatic folliculitis/furunculosis. The article includes good images, as well. Source: Animal Health Solutions, June 2016. Page 22. Skin scrapings should be performed to rule out demodicosis with a secondary bacterial folliculitis and furunculosis as the cause of the lesion. Treatment involves completely removing the … [Read more...]
The right way to cut people off in meetings
Learn how to use the word “jellyfish” to keep meeting discussions from drifting. Our team likes this concept knowing how easy it is to stray off topic in meetings, sales calls and general conversation. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 8, 2016. The conversation begins, but after 10 minutes of good discussion on the first agenda item, someone goes off on a tangent that, … [Read more...]
Recovering from rejection
Rejection is a universal and universally disliked experience. It’s also one that each of us experiences differently. Sometimes, getting rejected hurts more than we expect, especially if our immediate response is to become self-critical. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 6, 2016. I think a lot of us have a gut instinct to question ourselves in the face of rejection,” … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo photo gallery
Networking, showcasing innovation and educating are the mainstays of the World Pork Expo. This year was no exception. This photo gallery offers a flavor of the festivities. You may see some folks you know. I did. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 10, 2016. World Pork Expo’s extensive trade show makes it easy to shop and compare new products and technologies for use on the … [Read more...]
AJVR contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issue of the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Source: AJVR, June 2016. … [Read more...]
Vetfolio® launches Communication Certificate Program
Vetfolio® recently launched the free, four-part, online Communications Certificate Program, with sponsorship by Merial. VetFolio is a joint program of NAVC and AAHA, non-profit organizations committed to the veterinary profession. They are partnering to provide continuing education online for veterinary professionals. Source: Vetfolio News, June 2, 2016. Registration is now … [Read more...]
JAVMA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Source: JAVMA, June 15, 2016. … [Read more...]
Self-disclosure, leadership and trust
John C. Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” Every animal health professional is a leader when it comes to communicating with an animal owner, client, customer or staff member. Jesse Lyn Stoner provides some perspective on self-disclosure. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, May 31, 2016. Self-disclosure is an important leadership trait … [Read more...]
Career paths for client service representatives
Team members who want to grow personally and professionally in any role can help a practice thrive. Consider these tips and examples to help yourself or a staff member explore opportunities for advancement. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, March 2016. Many exceptional veterinary assistants, veterinary nurses, office managers, practice managers, and practice administrators … [Read more...]
Front desk persons anchor the customer experiences
Whether in a veterinary hospital, retail store or dealer, the persons at the front desk set the tone for each visit. Their skills in customer acknowledgement and directing traffic make or break visits. Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR, provides a unique perspective for all animal health professionals to consider. Source: Veterinary Practice News, May 31, 2016. Front desk … [Read more...]
AVMA advocates against prescription mandate bill
The wrestling match on veterinary prescriptions continues. An April 29 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee addressed the pet medication industry, including the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (HR 3174/S 1200), legislation that would federally mandate prescription writing for veterinarians. The subcommittee is … [Read more...]
45% of practices increase fees annually
According to AAHA’s Financial and Productivity Pulsepoints: Vital Statistics for Your Veterinary Practice, nearly half of practices increase fees annually to stay profitable as the cost of goods, services and labor increases. Pulsepoints is a unique resource that enables practices and those who service them understand factors that influence practice successes. Source: AAHA … [Read more...]
The cost of avoiding conflict
Managing conflict is not something most people look forward to dealing with in the workplace. Yet, conflict is a sign that your hospital is pushing boundaries and growing. Given that business is constantly changing means that if you are not growing, your business is dying. There is no status quo in our industry, so managing conflict correctly become a key performance indicator … [Read more...]
Animal Health Digest is for sharing
Animal health remains an industry dependent on solid relationships, built on honest communication. Feedback from some early subscribers shows Animal Health Digest saves them time and provides them with material to share in daily interactions. Clinic teams enjoy using an article to discuss at staff meetings to get the team aligned Reps use posts and articles to better … [Read more...]
Seven listening styles and how to approach them
The White Rabbit from Lewis Carrol’s, Alice in Wonderland, said, “The hurrier I go the behinder I get.” In many cases this quote describes the listening skills of animal health professionals who are quick to move without really hearing how a customer responds. Take time to pay attention to your communication process, and listen to your listener before you speak. Source: Ag … [Read more...]
Make a list of unethical things you’ll never do
Most people want to make a positive difference and remain ethical. But, it is easy to take shortcuts, cheat or stretch the truth. Like it or not, cellphone cameras make our behaviors more easily scrutinized today than ever before. We like this exercise of writing down what you won’t do. See what you think. Source: Harvard Business Review, May 30, 2016. Write a list of … [Read more...]
Position yourself for success
The internal messages you send yourself regarding your role in the hospital, the distribution company or the manufacturer largely determine your success with your clients, your practices or your customers and therefore within your respective organization. Consistent high performers in the veterinary industry have a very clear image of their role in every interaction. Source: … [Read more...]
Giving it away doesn’t work
“Giving discounts on the fly can backfire,” asserts Andy Roark, DVM. “Time and time again, it’s a habit that gets DVMs into trouble. Worse, it’s a practice that’s strangling struggling vet practices and damaging our profession as a whole.” Source: Dr. Andy Roark, May 21, 2016. Most vets understand that giving away products or services means the clinic makes less money. … [Read more...]
Grads need a P & L
We received Andy Kessler’s article from a subscriber. His tilt is toward recent graduates, but it seems the content offers a lesson for us all. The subscriber also commented that beyond the concept of P & L statements is the unspoken reminder that the objective is P over L. Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2016. The basic idea is to postpone consumption. Then … [Read more...]
A parent’s checklist
Millenials in or entering the workface have been characterized as entitled, lazy and a host of other unflattering terms. While this may be true in many cases, the root cause goes back to parents who allowed such behavior in their child’s formative years. So, when the former dean at Stanford university wrote about parenting in a piece titled, “8 skills everyone should have by … [Read more...]
Overcome your fear of public speaking
Representatives and veterinary team members are generally comfortable speaking one on one. Speaking before a group however can be a different story. Here are four tips to deal with potential fears. Source: Inc., May 16, 2016. Maybe you need to convince others that an idea makes sense. Maybe you need to show investors how a project or business will generate a return. Maybe … [Read more...]
JAVMA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Source: JAVMA, May 15, 2016. Source: JAVMA, June 1, 2016. … [Read more...]
The 21 most valuable career skills
Learn which skills are in demand and add to earnings in today’s job market. There are also tips about how to acquire those skills. Source: Money, June 2016. You can’t remain stagnant,” says Lydia Frank, PayScale’s editorial director. “You always want to be learning something new; you always want to be advancing.” … [Read more...]
JAAHA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2016. … [Read more...]