By Leather Brice, CVBL, CCFP
Moving into a leadership role can be tough. Whether you have been hired from within or have joined the team as a new hire, it can be difficult to maneuver the new role. Having been through this myself, I want to share strategies for making this transition less stressful and more fulfilling. No one is born knowing how to be a manager and as first-time managers, we are confronted with this reality early on. Veterinary Management is a unique industry. It is one that requires you to wear many hats and play on different fields with different players. Management in this dynamic industry is a trade in and of itself and it likewise requires preparation, coaching, and time to get it right.
When I took on the role of Practice Manager, I was promoted from within. I had worked in the practice in various areas and had good knowledge of the culture and expectations of the role. However, it was still a role that hadn’t been properly defined and needed to be examined closely to ensure that the practice and I were set up for success. I recommend ensuring that you and the owner of the practice or your direct report are on the same page. It may be that you are reporting to the Head of Operations or Hospital Director. Regardless of the title, it is ideal to have a job description and outline of duties to review and understand so that you’re going in with a game plan. Ask the tough questions and if you require additional clarity on the role or expectations, have the discussion. It is better to ask than to assume.
The role of a manager requires a person to navigate many responsibilities. The better you understand your role, the better you can manage. Three areas of focus to create success are:
- Building and maintaining your team
- Achieving the task
- Developing the individual
As a manager, when leading and working with teams a focus on the relationships and development of the team is a priority. Teams that are high functioning and deliver consistently great results come from a purposeful process and method. Being a manager is a role that requires you to put the needs and development of others before your own. Watching others grow, learn, and succeed because of your management will give you a more powerful sense of success than you ever felt as an individual contributor. For me, this was one of the most sought-after changes in my practice. I had been under the management of individuals who only knew how to lead by way of an iron fist. There wasn’t a team mentality. By sharing knowledge and looking for strengths in my team we became more cohesive and were able to grow to success. It’s a beautiful thing to watch people find new meaning in their positions. Focus on helpful guidance instead of commanding delegation to build your team up. Encourage your team to be curious, to learn continuously, and reach beyond their limits. This will keep them engaged, creative, and producing great results. Being a manager does not mean being superhuman. Be authentic with your team and allow yourself to be vulnerable. The more real you are with them the more real they’ll be with you. That’s when the magic happens. That’s how you can successfully connect to your team, build and maintain them.
As a new manager, it is important to have a game plan. It is time to work toward achieving the task. Too often, when we are new to our role, the key objective is just to survive and we just “figure it out”. In my experience, understanding the need for a well-devised plan can make a huge difference in your success. Whether you have a Pathway Plan in place and are working with a coach (which I hope you all are) or if you simply have a list of key objectives, having a plan is better than no plan and it can make the difference in your success and achievement as a new leader. Prior to accepting the role of Practice Manager, I attended a Pathway Planning Workshop. I discussed with the owner of the hospital I was working in, the need I had for guidance to ensure my success for her and the business. By the end of the weekend, I was energized! I HAD A PLAN!
As a manager, you will be faced with solving problems day in and day out and it is your managerial responsibility to accomplish the task at hand, whatever that may be. When dealing with the whirlwind of patients, clients, doctors, and staff it’s important to remain grounded. With any objective you face, you must properly identify aims, purpose, direction, and vision for the team and practice- define the key objective. You must also be able to identify resources, people, processes, systems, and tools necessary to achieve goals and ultimately create a plan to achieve the task (i.e., Pathway Planning).
Once you’ve got a plan and are set on achieving the task, you will need to further develop the individuals. New managers must Assist and support individuals through plans, problems, challenges, highs, and lows. Create an environment where individuals can develop. A manager must be readily available and willing to provide resources and tools for personal growth, and identify and delegate appropriate individual responsibilities, and objectives that contribute to your practice’s success.
There will be many challenges ahead. Delegation takes time and practice. Communication is key and necessary for the success of all leaders. Ensure you have direction and communicate that to your team. Set expectations and clearly define the needs of the practice and the team so that everyone is on the same page. Be transparent! The more the team sees you as part of the team the more they will accept your endeavors. Stay the course and always seek to understand.
Management is not easy. It will likely be the hardest—and, potentially, the most rewarding—job you have ever had. As much as you can prepare for this exciting journey and whether you are a new or seasoned manager-there will be times where you simply don’t have the answer. Learn to trust your gut and listen to your instinct. More often than not, you’ll end up making the right decision. Be the type of manager you would respect and follow, and you will find success in your new and exciting role within the practice. Being a manager is an ongoing learning experience, and it's probably never going to be "easy." But do your research, set expectations, and shift your focus from the get-go, and you'll be off to a great start!
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