Do you hold your breath when performing a difficult task? For many of us who have played an instrument, sung in a chorus or swam competitively, taking a controlled, deep breath is learned behavior. Author Ashley Neese teaches people how to breathe and shares her belief that we have the power to shift our thinking by changing the way we breathe. Many of us go through life … [Read more...]
June Conversations at The Bridge Club
The Bridge Club announces its June lineup of virtual community conversation topics: 7:00 pm CDT, June 5, 2019. Can veterinarians and breeders work together? - featuring Marty Greer, DVM, and Debra Hamilton, breeder. < click here to register > 7:00 pm CDT, June 12, 2019. The real ‘ins and outs’ of implementing Fear Free – a candid discussion with Jennifer Merlo, … [Read more...]
Opinion – Getting work done while dealing with being human, part 3
Our VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) world frequently makes it hard to choose between our work and personal life. Beyond balance issues are human factors that challenge our humanity. In this third installment, the articles deal with purpose and time. Putting my purpose to work for me now, SmartBrief, May 31, 2019. Link. Being armed with purpose makes us … [Read more...]
References are important
With the average tenure in a role hovering around 4.2 years, chances are, there's a job search in your future. If you’ve updated your resume with relevant accomplishments, built a strong online brand, and practiced for the interview, you’re way ahead of the game. What about your references? Source: Forbes, May 28, 2019, Link. In a study conducted by the Society of Human … [Read more...]
Show and tell veterinary medicine’s mess
Michael Nappier, DVM, DABVP, contends it is time for veterinary teams to quit shielding clients from the amount of blood, sweat, tears, urine and feces involved in keeping their pets healthy. He recommends finding ways to let clients see what goes on behind exam room doors and in treatment areas. He contends a show and tell mentality could help make the mundane seem miraculous … [Read more...]
Blood-sucking ‘kissing bugs’ cause Chagas disease
If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina or Tennessee it’s important to understand Chagas disease. Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA, shares information on disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. In dogs, the primary area to be infected is the heart, but sometimes the nervous system is also involved. The trypanosomes cause a high level of … [Read more...]
WHO classifies burnout as a medical condition
The term burnout has been applied to everything from being tired during the weekend to the malaise of an entire generation. The WHO legitimized what it calls “burn-out” recognizing in the latest version of its International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health problems, a handbook for recognized medical conditions < link >. Source: World Economic … [Read more...]
Man’s best friend ready to help with summer chores
Caution! These pics will make you smile. Summer may seem late, but it will get here soon. It’s likely a dog will be along for the ride. Farm Journal’s Sonja Begemann compiled a fun set of dog photos working farms and checking cattle. Source: AgWeb, May 28, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: This may provide inspiration for a local clinic photo contest featuring the best farm and ranch … [Read more...]
Bats are nature’s pest control
As we sat on the deck during a recent evening, bats from behind the neighbor’s chimney awoke to fly over the neighboring yards. After counting 36 of them, I stopped as they went about their insect control. Amanda Radke writes about the pros and stigmas concerning promoting bat populations for pest control. Source: BEEF, May 20, 2019. Link. Bats may have a negative … [Read more...]
Foreign animal diseases beyond ASF can wreak havoc
While ASF is currently getting all the attention, are other infectious agents could have similar economic effects and cripple the U.S. pork industry and exports, writes Attila Farkas, DVM. She discusses other diseases that have potential to hurt swine production in the U.S. Source: National Hog Farmer, May 28, 2019. Link. In modern day swine production, free trade … [Read more...]
Choose your mentor carefully
Having a mentor can be the catalyst for enriching career development in nearly every industry. Mentors not only bestow real-life lessons and skills upon their mentees, but also open doors to professional networks, facilitating connections to other professionals who can help shape career success. So look for these characteristics when choosing your mentor. Source: Forbes, May … [Read more...]
Opinion – Getting work done while dealing with being human, part 2
Last week, we started a series about getting work done. Beyond all the advice, processes and systems is a human element that is challenged by our VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) world. Any mom or dad can find meeting parenting demands often seems in direct conflict with raising kids. On the other end of too busy is not busy enough. As you’ll see, there are … [Read more...]
EQUUS pop quiz: horse terms
Revisit horse-related terms and information with SAT-style analogy questions. It’s a fun way to be sure your knowledge of terms is current and where you have gaps. Have fun! Source: EQUUS, May 3, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Microbiome; it’s a bug eat bug world
“The microbiome is a collection of different microorganisms that we find in the intestinal tract of animals, and we know these microorganisms are essential to immune development,” says Christopher Chase, DVM. “Understanding how they interact with the gut, and particularly the epithelium of the gut, is really important.” In the last decade, research has shown the epithelial … [Read more...]
5 quota-killing mistakes only experienced salespeople make
Jeff Hoffman gives perspective about seasoned salespersons and offers steps that can help avoid making common errors. He lists these five mistakes he has observed with seasoned reps: They over-qualify They lean too heavily on existing champions They stop learning They haven't networked within their company They ignore the importance of small … [Read more...]
Opinion – Get truly curious about the customer
Customers recognize selective listening and when we aren’t asking the right questions or probing to understand what’s really happening and learning what it means to them personally or professionally, according to David Brock. They’re often looking look for our help but find us unwilling to take the time to understand their markets, their business, their strategies . . . their … [Read more...]
If you are approached by a service dog without its owner, it may need your help
Ashley Brewer shares what to do if a service dog approaches you without its owner. In all likelihood, the owner needs help. Share this article using social media, e-newsletters and texts. Knowing how to engage the animal to help you find its owner is important because it is different than how we’ve been trained. Source: Animal Planet, May 9, 2019. Link. . . . any verbal cue … [Read more...]
New AVMA website provides resources for veterinary students, early professionals
The AVMA recently launched a new website to help guide veterinary students and early career veterinarians. My Veterinary Life < link > is intended to help navigate the transition from student to veterinarian, nurture personal wellbeing, and establish strong financial habits. Source: AVMA. Link. The website represents AVMA’s commitment to provide guidance, direction and … [Read more...]
Top 10 ways to lead by example
Joel Dickerson started working with Petroleum Service Corporation loading railcars. Now president, he leads the firm that serves petrochemical, refining, midstream and marine transportation industries. He recently shared his Leadership Top 10 during the company’s awards banquet. It is a list worth studying because he developed it from real-life experiences, not a … [Read more...]
Compassionate, directness are transformative when combined
We define it (compassionate directness) as empowering employees to speak up, give feedback, disagree, and surface problems, pain points and constructive criticism. And to do this immediately, continuously, and with clarity, but also to do it with compassion, empathy and understanding. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, May 9, 2019. Link. According to a poll from H.R. management … [Read more...]
Collegiate meat judging featured by Sports Illustrated
Comparing the core components to NCAA athletics, Mike Piellucci goes in-depth into the recruitment, rivalries, commitment, competitions and impact of this intercollegiate meat judging. The skill set of a champion meat judge is both eminently teachable and difficult to master: quick decision making, critical reasoning, self-assurance and, above all, the ability to quiet one’s … [Read more...]
Opinion – Getting work done while dealing with being human, part 1
There are myriad recommendations for improving our work productivity. For some, it is just hard to get through the day without dealing with yet another system. So instead of highlighting another way to get it done, I’ll present articles in the coming weeks that include human stuff, such as being overwhelmed, being a working mother, slow times and rapid changes, and a good … [Read more...]
Rural infrastructures declining, negatively affecting agriculture (includes video)
Safe, efficient transportation methods are crucial to successful agriculture. Aging of roads, bridges, railroads, waterway technologies and ports challenges how we will move ag products around our country and the world. Natalina Sents investigates the decline in rural infrastructure and what can be done to fix it. Source: Successful Farming, May 6, 2019. Link. The … [Read more...]
Coping with disagreements
From time to time, team members get into disagreements. Conflicts and disagreements are a difficult aspect of working life. Unfortunatelly, a disagreement between two team members often spreads to others. Jonathon Hancock sought top tips from his network for dealing with the disagreements that arise. Source: Mind Tools, May 9, 2019. Link. The financial costs of … [Read more...]
Veterinarian’s close call with suicide highlights industry wide problem (includes videos)
Two veterinarians share experiences by video in an effort to keep other veterinarians from contemplating suicide. The suicide rate among veterinarians is twice the national average, due to long work hours, high student debt, a quest for perfection and clinical outcomes that can be heartbreaking. Source: WUSA9, May 14, 2019. Link. Will McCauley, DVM and Chris Miller, DVM … [Read more...]
Fighting decision fatigue at home and work
Beckie Mossor, RVT, shares information about our growing understanding of decision fatigue. It is the worst when we have too many decision to make in a short amount of time, she writes. Decision fatigue affects individuals differently, and factors like sleep, nutrition and stress also help determine our mental stamina. She shares simple steps we can take to decrease the … [Read more...]
True grit helps you achieve
It turns out that intelligence might not be the best indicator of future success. According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, the secret to outstanding achievement isn’t talent. Instead, it’s a special blend of persistence and passion that she calls “grit.” Source: Forbes, March, 6, 2017. Link. That’s why IQ and SAT scores aren’t a good indicator of someone’s future success. … [Read more...]
3 top posts in April show diversity of interests by AHD users
Cranky cats, clinic access and dairy consolidation were hot topics last month. Take a look, or re-look, at the three posts that were the most read last month. Finicky feline eaters: born or made? Link. Multiple reasons prevent access to veterinary care Link. Consolidation continues as nearly 3,000 U.S. dairy farms closed in 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: We’ll look at what … [Read more...]
3 questions to ask before having a meeting
Aaron De Smet, Gregor Jost and Leigh Weiss write about the challenge of productive meetings. Their topic is leader focused. In determining if a meeting is necessary, much of their guidance applies to ALL staff. Meetings should not be held unless leaders can affirm that they are necessary, define their purpose and ascertain the role of all participants. Source: McKinsey and … [Read more...]
Tech ad parody almost too real to believe it’s not real
We had to share this 'spoof' in light of the attention to cell phone overuse; a phone camera that looks up, so you can keep looking down. Too real for sure! In a new parody ad, designer Alex Cornell makes fun of our ever-increasing smartphone dependency, using the language of tech advertising so precisely that some viewers might not even realize it’s a parody. Source: Fast … [Read more...]