Fixing Idle Staff (It's Deeper than Scolding)
A mountain of charts sits untouched.
The phone is lit with lines on hold.
A client waits impatiently in the lobby.
One of your CSRs is standing around holding up the wall near the coffee machine…idle.
Your first instinct is to reprimand her or give her some grunt work.
But that’s just a quick fix.
It ignores the underlying issue—that an unproductive team is one that is struggling with feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, and unsure of its priorities.
Vets like you get so focused on the day-to-day operations—the appointments, the treatments, the paperwork—that they forget a crucial ingredient: inspiration.
They become taskmasters, overseeing checklists instead of nurturing talent.
What’s the result? A disengaged team, high turnover, and a practice that’s just…okay.
In this short video, I talk more about this critical difference between managing and leading and how it can impact your team.
True leadership isn’t about just getting things done. It’s about sparking inspiration by:
Sharing a Vision: When your team understands the “why” behind their work, they’re more invested in the outcome. They’re not just filling prescriptions; they’re contributing to the health and well-being of beloved animals.
Recognizing Effort: A simple “thank you” or public acknowledgment of a well-done job can go a long way. It shows your team that you value their contributions and that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
Fostering Growth: Providing opportunities for professional development and encouraging your team to learn new skills shows you’re invested in their future, not just their present.
When you inspire your team, you create a practice where people don’t just work—they care.
And that makes all the difference for your team and your patients.
Transform your practice by becoming a leader, not just a manager.
Visit my Resource Library for more tools, strategies, and videos to help you become the leader your practice needs.
Visit my Resource Library for more tools, strategies, and videos to help you become the leader your practice needs.