Let's Speak Candidly
We’ve all been there…either as the initiator or recipient of a “candid conversation.” Just the phrase alone is enough to make us steel ourselves for disappointing news. When hearing the words, “let’s speak candidly,” we know that the speaker’s true feelings are about to be revealed. But as painful as candor can be, candid remarks can also inspire better results.
During the winter of 2013, VHMA distributed a survey to a broad range of professionals in the veterinary industry. The goal was to understand how knowledgeable and well informed each member of the veterinary team is concerning issues and challenges facing veterinary practices. Because there is a correlation between perception and performance, the results underscore the importance of ensuring that all staff members are informed and equipped to confront a practice’s external and internal issues.
While a survey is an effective tool for taking the pulse and gauging the understanding of a broad audience, as a manager we must create cultures that can sustain candid conversations. Cultures that promote candor in meetings and one-on-one conversations are more apt to change, grow and improve. For this to occur, managers and owners must process the information that is shared and respond to it in a way that will increase employee understanding and improve performance.
We are gearing up for VHMA’s 2013 Annual Meeting and Conference. The agenda is one of the most exciting and forward-looking to date. From experts in the industry, to the industry’s most compelling issues, this is a meeting that has it all. When the conference draws to a close, attendees are sure to depart with information and insights that are relevant and valuable for years to come. I hope to see you all at the VHMA 2013 Annual Meeting and Conference, September 26-29, 2013 in Charlotte, NC in September.
Remember to stimulate the mind and enhance your environment!
Tom MacDonald, CVPM
VHMA President