The AAHA Standards of Accreditation were created to help standardize and promote excellence in care in the veterinary profession and for veterinary practices. Since 1933, these standards have been updated to reflect evolving industry standards. The enhanced standards were developed to keep these practices at the forefront of advanced veterinary medicine. Standards are … [Read more...]
Find out if you’re a jerk
We don’t typically ask ourselves, “Am I jerk?” That’s because most people tend to know themselves relatively well. We know if we’re talkative or quiet. We know if we’re creative. Yet, we don’t yet have a full understanding of jerkitude. There is no scientific designation that matches the range of the application of the term “jerk.” It’s hard to determine if the guy who cuts in … [Read more...]
Real empathy is not about you
In our self-centered society, empathy seems like an outdated concept. Even caring individuals often get it wrong when trying to be empathetic to another’s situation. Genuine empathy is difficult because it is all about the other person – not you. Source: Gordon Tredgold, August 1, 2016. This is something that I still struggle with because as a confident person when I put … [Read more...]
17 meaningless things the worst bosses say
Repeating platitudes, especially as a superior, shows you’re lazy in words and actions. These 17 examples show how not to lean on useless phrases. Source: Inc., September 1, 2016. 5. 'We're experiencing a paradigm shift.' Actually, we're experiencing a change you don't know how to deal with and "paradigm shift" sounds a lot better than "I have no idea what the (heck) is … [Read more...]
Find the right job culture fit
Whether you are a receptionist, vet tech or DVM, the culture of your workplace is an important component of your individual or business success. While this article is written for prospective employees, it also provides a checklist for practice owners to increase their hospital’s profitability. Source: Pulse, August 24, 2016. We all hope to work for a company that’s clear, … [Read more...]
Looking for a job? Your boss may know.
Even if you use personal email and phones to correspond with prospective employers, don’t assume your activity is confidential. You may leave a perfect data trail for your existing boss to see. Source: Washington Post, September 6, 2016. The startup, Joberate, scrapes publicly available data from millions of individuals’ online social media accounts, or buys it from other … [Read more...]
Be careful when you share your new job on social media
Social media is like an open microphone, says Megan Leonhardt, a writer for Money. When changing jobs, you don’t want to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. She offers tips for staying on message and in control. Don’t tip your hand Pace yourself Get in sync Break the news Source: Money.com, September 2016, page 30. 'Put a little thought behind the process,' … [Read more...]
Create a common goal
In last week’s Bulletin, we shared nine common mistakes leaders make when starting difficult or important conversations. We promised you a better way this week. Consider that your listener is there to make a decision. If you are there to get a decision, you both have something in common before the first word is spoken. Source: evancarmichael.com, February 6, 2012. When the … [Read more...]
Developing grit leads to success
Effort, perseverance and intention trump IQ and talent, professes Angela Duckworth, PhD, University of Pennsylvania. She calls this grit and recommends cultivating a purpose and developing optimism. Duckworth’s Grit Scale questionnaire lets you determine how gritty you are. Source: Bottom Line Personal, September 1, 2016. Good news: You can grow grit “from the inside out.” … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Write smart. Talk smart. Look great.
Despite our best efforts, we all make errors when we write and talk. We often confuse words with their proper meanings. Travis Bradberry, president of TalentSmart, shares 20 words that, when misused, make smart people look silly. Source: Quartz, July 20, 2016. It’s the words that we think we’re using correctly that wreak the most havoc. We throw them around in meetings, … [Read more...]
Be tough, but fair
Some days it seems the business world has things upside down. Kindness is viewed as weakness. Empathy has no place in the business world. Ruthlessness is essential for success. Why, there are even training programs to help you go “from bud to boss.” Now, research that proves nice bosses can and do finish first. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, July 17, 2016. The thing is, nice … [Read more...]
The ABC’s of regenerative medicine for horses
Stem cell therapy can help a horse's body repair diseased or damaged tissues. Veterinarians have come far in understanding and using regenerative medicine. Yet, they have more to learn about how and when to use it. Source: The Horse, July 2016. (article summary only). The full article includes explanatory graphics. Regenerative medicine has been referred to by many people … [Read more...]
Expect success
Strategy, skill and execution are important factors in achieving success in most businesses. However, too often the mental side of the challenge is overlooked in leading your team to the ultimate goal and success. There are some things you can do to help your business team prepare mentally to reach and exceed expectations. Source: Harvard Business Review June 9, … [Read more...]
NAVTA, Merial expand CE for vet technicians
In addition to heartworm disease, the Merial Tech Champions program now includes intestinal parasites, dental health and flea/tick CE courses. These additional courses will debut at the upcoming AVMA convention in San Antonio, August 5 -9 , 2016. Source: NAVTA, July 14, 2016. CE course attendees can expect informative and thought-provoking content from some of the … [Read more...]
What good listeners actually do
Researchers dug into what makes a great listener and grouped the qualities identified into four main findings along with identifying six levels of listening: Good listening is much more than being silent while the other person talks. Good listening included interactions that build a person’s self-esteem. Good listening was seen as a cooperative conversation. Good … [Read more...]
What to do when you don’t know what to do
Michael Hyatt offers three steps to follow when you're tired of feeling uncertain. Forget about the ultimate outcome. Focus on the next right action. Do something now! Source: MichaelHyatt.com, via AVMA SmartBrief, July 11, 2016. Feelings of uncertainty can quickly transform into a sense of being overwhelmed, Hyatt writes. In those situations, try to forget the … [Read more...]
Help your team succeed
Strategy, skill and execution are important to achieve success in most veterinary hospitals and practices. However, the mental side of the challenge is too often overlooked in leading the practice team to ultimate goals and successes. There are things you can do to help your hospital team mentally prepare to reach and exceed expectations. Source: Harvard Business Review, … [Read more...]
A nudge can change behavior
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]