Five Behaviors You Need to Lead Your Veterinary Team

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In this episode of the Veterinary Business Podcast, Dr. Amanda Landis-Hanna sits down with the esteemed Dr. Ernie Ward, an award-winning veterinarian, internationally renowned speaker, author, and impact entrepreneur. Dr. Ward shares invaluable insights on leadership behaviors that can elevate your veterinary practice, improve team dynamics, and enhance your personal growth. From managing workplace gossip to fostering emotional resilience, this episode is packed with actionable advice for veterinary professionals at all levels.

Whether you’re a practice owner, manager, or aspiring leader, Dr. Ward’s practical wisdom will empower you to take charge, lead effectively, and create a positive culture within your clinic.

Key Takeaways:

• Servant Leadership: Focusing on others’ needs before your own is fundamental to building trust and fostering a positive work environment.

• Leading by Example: Your actions set the tone for your team. Avoid gossip and negativity to cultivate a culture of professionalism and respect.

• Building Resilience: Develop emotional control through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and stepping away from stressors to maintain balance.

• Encouraging Feedback: Create a safe space for team members to provide constructive feedback and be open to self-improvement.

• Taking Initiative: Aspiring leaders should speak up, volunteer solutions, and embrace challenges to demonstrate leadership potential.

• Embracing Growth: Relentless curiosity and learning from failures are key traits of successful leaders in veterinary medicine.

Timestamp

• 00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Dr. Ernie Ward
• 02:35 – Dr. Ward shares his motivation and passion for veterinary medicine.
  •   The importance of servant leadership and connecting with people as a veterinary professional.
• 07:50 – Avoiding workplace gossip and leading by example to foster a healthy clinic culture.
  •  Stepping into leadership roles as an associate veterinarian or team member.
• 25:04 – Managing emotional control in high-stress environments and developing resilience through personal habits.
• 33:38 – The role of feedback in leadership and strategies to encourage constructive discussions.
  •   Closing thoughts on creating meaningful change and embracing challenges to grow as a leader.
• 41:56 – Final thanks and encouragement to listeners.

Ernie Ward, DVM, CVF

• America’s Pet Advocate | Pet Expert | Veterinarian | Impact Entrepreneur
• Television and Radio Personality | Podcaster | Author | Award-Winning Speaker

Dr. Ernie Ward is an award-winning veterinarian, internationally known speaker, impact entrepreneur, author of several books, columnist, and media personality.

A 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia, he was voted Speaker of the Year at both VMX and WVC conferences, the 2018 Veterinary Journalist of the Year, the recipient of the US National Veterinary Practice of Excellence Award and has received many veterinary and civic recognitions.

Dr. Ward is involved on the Boards of many animal organizations, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Morris Animal Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board and Animal Welfare Advisory Board, Grey Muzzle Society, CATalyst Council, and the Southern European Veterinary Conference’s Scientific Committee and Practice Management Chairperson.

Dr. Ward is the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association. He is also the editor of the forthcoming textbook titled Veterinary Clinical Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Causes, Consequences, and Interventions, First Edition, which Wiley will publish. He is known for improving veterinary medical standards through his clinical education programs and promoting a higher quality of life and healthier habits for pets and people.When he’s not with family or pet patients, he can be found contemplating solutions for both the veterinary profession and the planet during endurance athletics, meditation, and on his award-winning weekly podcast, the Veterinary Viewfinder, or his regular column, “Opening Shots,” in NAVC’s “Today’s Veterinary Business.”

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