If you're a veterinarian or office manager, does this scenario sound familiar?
Sure, your veterinary office staff is getting their work done. They let you know when customers arrive and they check them in and out efficiently. They're never rude and you can't pinpoint anything that is blatantly wrong, and yet . . . something is wrong.
If you believe that your office staff is emotionally disengaged from work, your observation is likely to be accurate. A Gallup study of more than 1.5 million employees shows that:
- 28 percent of employees are engaged in their work
- 55 percent are disengaged
- 17 percent are actively disengaged
This means that 72 percent of employees are not genuinely connected to the work they do! And, take an honest look in the mirror. Does this next description sound like you?
You arrive to work each day, needing to paste on a smile before you greet your veterinary office team and, although you do your best with each client, it's feeling like - well, like a job, when it used to feel much more joyful.
Now, let's look at the other side of the coin. If you're part of a veterinary office staff, have you experienced either (or both!) of these?
Scenario 1: You love animals and began working in a veterinary office for just that reason. But, the paperwork is grinding you down and the enthusiasm that you once had for your job just isn't there anymore.
Scenario 2: When you got a job at the Main Street Veterinary practice, you were thrilled! Working with Dr. Joanne was a real privilege and more than one person in her office went to veterinary school themselves because of her encouragement and leadership. And, it used to be so enjoyable to work there . . .
Whether you need to motivate or be motivated, and whether you're part of practice management or part of the practice office staff, the question remains: how? How can you motivate yourself or others to transform a practice?