Puzzling the best team together.

Today I did a lot of thinking about my veterinary team.   It all started last night at our annual Christmas/Holiday party where I had over six hours of togetherness time with them, eating, exchanging gifts and visiting the “Holiday Lights program at Greenfield Village.  There was even some holiday singing on the party bus that took us from our hospital to the event.  We were missing a few people due to an unfortunate stomach flu virus that one of my technicians procured (and then shared) from her toddler son’s day care.  Even though some of them were unable to attend, it was heartwarming to see the lengths that the present team members went through to include their ill comrades in the festivities.  Photos were texted and videos were shared with the ill teammates.  They even Skyped with one of the sick employees, so she could open her secret Santa gift “in person”, sort of.  As I watched the team visit with each other while eating, drinking and exchanging gifts, I could feel the love that they have for each other and the dedication that they share to our hospital and the profession that holds us all together.

As I took a mental inventory of the team members, I noticed how each of them is special and different.  Their unique talents and personalities, when pieced together with the other's talents, creates many pieces to a big elaborate puzzle.  The puzzle that they create allows our team to serve the clients and patients in the best way possible and makes our veterinary hospital great.

How do you go about creating a harmonious team so the puzzle pieces fit?

The real truth is that you can’t.  Your team members are who they are, and they get to behave in any way that they want to behave.  You, as the leader get to create training and boundaries for the practice team, but ultimately working with them and stretching them will get you further than trying to mold them into something that they are not.  Allowing them the freedom to learn and develop their “favorite” or natural skills will create an atmosphere of support and in turn allow them to take chances in their careers.  Showing your support to them in their life and future goals may not keep them working at your practice forever, but if they feel supported and loved they will be more likely to stay with you longer and work happier.

Take time to get to know your team members and honor them for who they are.  Get to know their personality traits and preferences.  Support them in their learning as much as possible and honor them when they feel discouraged or stressed.  Try to hear them out when they feel frustrated about a practice situation, client or team member.   Place each person in a position that suites them, so they can continue to grow.

How do you puzzle together the best team?  Appreciate the team you already have.   Love each individual for who they are, find their talents and utilize their strengths.  The atmosphere of support that you develop will create a warm and inviting practice for your clients and their pets.   

"Strength lies in differences, not in similarities." Stephen Covey

"Appreciate what you have, where you are and who you are with in this moment"  Tony Clark

Dr. Julie Cappel