|
Veterinary Practice News Editorial Blog:
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Management? Not Me!
By Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last week in Chicago, I spent a good portion of my time at the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium. I was there to staff the exhibit booth for the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Practice Association.
We had many people stop by and ask, “What’s this?” So I would explain that we are a network of professionals in referral practice who discuss management issues. Then I would get one of two responses, either “Oh yeah, we’ve got issues!” or “Oh, I’m not part of management, thank goodness,” as they quickly retreated.
I walked away from the three-day event with a clear understanding that people either feel burdened by the management issues they face daily or they absolutely do not want to be a part of management. Both of these scenarios cause concern.
The first, the burden of being management, is frustrating because there just aren’t enough good resources out there for veterinary managers, particularly those involved in referral practice.
The second, the standing away from management, is concerning because everyone in the practice has the responsibility to lead the team even if only by being a positive role model, and the blame for a poorly managed practice does not rest solely on the management team.
At the very least, we are in this together. At the very least, you should take back resources that you encountered during events such as conferences and pass along helpful tools to those who are managing the practice. I often made this suggestion to those passing the booth, as they were retreating.
So while many of you may not think of yourselves as “management,” you are an important piece of the puzzle of a well-managed practice. By being a positive role model, you set an example for new and current employees about acceptable behavior and performance. By noticing problems and suggesting solutions, you become part of the growth of the practice both in reputation and profits.
By making a positive impact on your clients by delivering excellent customer service, you increase retention and satisfaction of those people who directly pay your wages. By supporting the existing management in the practice, you make it easier for them to make positive changes in the practice. You may not have a management title on your name badge, but you are an important part of how your practice functions.
Accept your part of the responsibility for a well-managed practice, and everyone will benefit: you, the practice, your clients, and the pets that depend on our being there when they need us.
« All Blogs
 Give us your opinion on
Management? Not Me!
Industry Professional Site: Comments from non-industry professionals will be removed.
|