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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 are 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 end up ‘jumping back in’ when they feel their team, or an individual, is not up to speed.”
The journey from a clinical responsibility to team leader or manager is not an easy one – it requires a fundamental shift in mind 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.
Veterinary Practice Leadership: The Essentials
Over the course of two days, you’ll 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 you 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 has sold out, and so, in response to demand, we’ve opened a waiting list for a second event to be announced later this year.
Seats are strictly limited. To join our waiting list and be the first to receive event details, email anna.graham@lincolninstitute.com.au.
We look forward to welcoming you to Veterinary Practice Leadership: The Essentials and ensuring you’re equipped to lead with confidence, compassion, and competence in the ever-evolving world of veterinary practice.
Dr Gary Turnbull is a veterinarian, international speaker, and a Director at Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business. Gary is a highly recognised and respected coach, presenter, and facilitator in the fields of veterinary practice leadership and management, as well as veterinary business strategy. With a particular interest in personal leadership, interpersonal communications, and non-clinical professional mastery, Gary has presented on these topics across Australia, New Zealand, south-east Asia, and the United States of America. After joining Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business in 2014, the following year he delivered the 2015 AVBA ‘On The Move Series, Leading Change in Your Practice.’ He also developed the Goldmine Veterinary Dental Program, which he has presented internationally. Gary has dedicated 20 years of his veterinary career working as a companion animal clinician and Director of East Port Veterinary Hospital, a multiple award-winning ASVA Accredited Hospital of Excellence, situated on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia. He is a first-class honours graduate from the University of Sydney. With a focus on business development, Gary is instrumental in educating and empowering veterinary business owners and all veterinary professionals to take charge of their practices, their careers, and their lives through the programs offered by...
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