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In veterinary practice, leadership is rarely about issuing directives; it’s about cultivating a thriving team culture, fostering growth, and steering the practice towards success. However, many veterinary professionals find themselves thrust into leadership roles without adequate preparation, facing a daunting transition from technical expert to effective leader.
As the saying goes, “The hardest level of leadership is those promoted for the first time.” This rings especially true in the veterinary industry.
Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business Director, Paul Ainsworth, puts it this way: “This is not just because they have no prior experience, it is because for the first time, they need to set aside the notion that their ‘output’ (doing the actual work) is their most valuable contribution to the practice and shift their focus to the effectiveness of the team that they now lead. Many junior leaders don’t make this transition and so end up ‘jumping back in’ when they feel their team, or an individual, is not up to speed.”
The journey from clinical responsibility to team leader or manager is not easy—it requires a fundamental shift in mindset and skill set. Often, those ascending to leadership positions are individuals with stellar technical skills, yet they may lack the essential leadership competencies needed to navigate the complexities of team management.
Many new leaders struggle to make this transition, reverting to familiar tasks instead of empowering their team members. This phenomenon, known as the ‘Peter Principle’, highlights the inherent challenges of leadership promotion without proper preparation.
Furthermore, it underscores a critical issue: the pivotal role leadership plays in shaping workplace dynamics and overall satisfaction.
Results from our Global Sustainability Survey in 2021 illuminated a concerning trend: 27.5% of veterinarians are contemplating leaving their current employment within the next year, with an overwhelming majority attributing their dissatisfaction to an unhealthy team culture – a symptom of leadership shortcomings.
Recognising this pressing need for leadership development, we proudly present our new two-day event: Veterinary Practice Leadership: The Essentials. This short course is tailored for practice owners, managers, and team leaders who seek to bridge the gap between technical prowess and leadership acumen.
The heart of the matter lies in acknowledging that leadership demands a distinct set of skills divergent from clinical expertise. It’s not enough to simply “wing it” or rely on intuition.
Effective leadership in veterinary practice requires deliberate learning, strategy, and implementation.
Over the course of two days, attendees will delve into essential leadership principles guided by industry experts. Through interactive sessions and practical workshops, you will gain invaluable insights into motivating teams, managing conflicts, and fostering a culture of accountability and resilience in your practice.
Our short course is designed to equip attendees with actionable strategies to:
At Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business, we understand that investing in leadership development is not just about enhancing individual capabilities – it’s about fortifying the foundation of veterinary practices for sustained success.
Our inaugural event last May sold out, and so, in response to demand, we’ve organised a second event this October.
Don’t miss your chance to attend our highly anticipated return of Veterinary Practice Leadership: The Essentials.
Thursday 31st October & Friday 1st November, Crowne Plaza, Surfers Paradise. Seats are strictly limited. Book now by clicking here.
Dr Gary Turnbull is the managing director of the Lincoln Institute, a boutique leadership development company delivering facilitated training and coaching to a broad range of industries including the veterinary profession. He is a highly recognised speaker and presenter in the fields of veterinary practice management and leadership, veterinary business models and life balance strategies. Gary developed the Goldmine Dental Program which he has presented internationally. He is also the director of the East Port Veterinary Hospital, a multi-award winning ASAVA accredited Hospital of Excellence on the mid-north coast of NSW.
Connect with Dr Gary:
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