Bash Halow CVPM, LVT

If I had only one tool to fix most of the problems at the practices I encounter, it would be to put an active, living-and-breathing mission statement into place.  Repeatedly, it is not technical savvy, equipment, the economy, employee shortages, or expenses that debilitate veterinary hospitals.  It is staff morale, ambivalent performances, and intercommunication problems.

A mission statement solves this situation.  It is the first step in getting everyone at your practice to understand what it is you and your team is trying to accomplish on a daily basis and in the long term.  If you write your job descriptions based on the mission, you redouble your chances that your team will not only understand where they are going, but how they are supposed to get there.  Finally, add a quarterly review system that evaluates how closely performances match the mission and job description.  With this, you will have a regular, cool-headed opportunity to readdress and refocus what everyone is supposed to be doing and how they are supposed to be doing it. 

At your next staff meeting, reread your mission to the group.  Put it up on the overhead or write it on the easel board.  If you’ve never built one, try asking those present for their thoughts and see what evolves out of the discussion.  I can assure you, that this simple step will go miles in reorienting your team towards its true purpose and help you improve the systems of care you have in place.   For more information go to www.halowconsulting.com or www.halowconsulting.blogspot.com