Discover how accepting tough feedback or constructive criticism can transform your leadership, strengthen team dynamics, and enhance communication. It’s time to shift from defensiveness to curiosity, turning tough conversations into valuable opportunities for growth. Are you ready to embrace the challenge?

Fee complaints are one of the most challenging criticisms in veterinary practice. Try these strategies and tips on handling price complaints to address client concerns and maintain positive relationships. 

A lack of appropriate feedback leads to failure. Here are the three types of feedback you need to give to succeed.

If you own or manage a veterinary clinic, chances are you’ve encountered an employee who was once outstanding and has recently started to slip or a new team member who isn’t pulling their weight or meeting expectations. You know they need to change but aren’t sure how to proceed.  

I’ve always been a list maker. I attribute much of my professional success and personal happiness to jotting down to-dos. Psychologists term this technique “compartmentalization,” and anytime you feel overwhelmed by life’s responsibilities is an excellent time to try it.

Psychologists define compartmentalization as a defense mechanism to avoid the anxiety that arises from the clash of contradictory values or emotions. While that may sound like a bad thing at first glance, it’s how our brains handle conflicting internal standpoints. For example, a manager can consider herself a relaxed mother or partner at home but a demanding boss at work. These two self-images can coincide because the manager compartmentalizes her life. 

"I don't want huge things. Like, I want to get a dog someday. But what if that dog has to go to the vet and we have to pay $6,000 to get this dog surgery? Wanting a dog to share with my partner should not be a thing that could bankrupt us."

This article from the @nytimes on July 11, 2022, featured a series of young Americans sharing their worries about their economic futures. 

Aedan's story hit me like a ton of bricks.

While I certainly don't have all the answers to this very complex issue (no one does), I know there are at least a few steps the veterinary profession can take.