Maintaining Cohesive Teams

VHMA Manager to Manager

Welcome to today’s episode, where we are diving into building and maintaining cohesive teams in a busy veterinary practice, especially one with multiple teams and shifts. In some practices, it’s common for staff members to barely see each other, which can make it challenging to stay aligned with practice goals. How can we ensure everyone is on the same page, even when they work at different times?

Our guest, Steph Ferkovich a CVT from a 24-hour clinic in Minnesota, joins us to share her experience. With a background in criminal justice and psychology, Steph has a unique approach to team dynamics. Her favorite part of the job is watching staff members thrive in their roles, which is why she’s so passionate about fostering strong communication within her practice.

Throughout this episode, Steph will discuss the challenges of managing a clinic where teams work different shifts. She explains how they overcame an “us vs. them” mentality and built a culture of open communication. From handling team conflicts to recognizing when training alone won’t resolve every issue, Steph offers practical strategies for maintaining harmony in the workplace.

We’ll also hear about the evolving role of managers in veterinary practices. Steph shares how she’s shifted from being seen as an authority figure to more of a coach for her team and how loosening control can sometimes be the key to success. If you’re ready to learn how to build a more cohesive and communicative team, listen to this conversation with Steph Ferkovich.

Show Notes:

[2:51] - Working at a 24-hour clinic is unique with an unusual schedule. The different shifts overlap, but otherwise, the teams don’t see much of each other.

[5:07] - One thing that needed to change was the “Us Vs. Them” vocabulary.

[7:27] - Team attitudes can be negative, but it's important for them to realize that there are reasons, sometimes personal ones, that a team member works a certain shift.

[9:42] - Working with people means that sometimes there will be animosity. Steph explains how to bring two people together for conversations even with resistance.

[12:37] - A mediator is highly recommended in conversations that address animosity and conflict.

[14:49] - Fortunately, Steph’s team is pretty open with communication after the culture had been developed that it was important.

[18:18] - In some cases, training will not change or fix communication between some team members.

[20:10] - As a manager, Steph has learned that if something isn’t working, there are other ways to help teams communicate.

[21:53] - How do teams see their manager? Steph explains how this has changed over time and how most of the time it is as a coach.

[24:38] - Loosening up control can be a challenge for some managers.

[26:55] - Change is okay. What was working three years ago might not work anymore.

Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources.

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