134: 5 Reasons Veterinary Teams Feel Undervalued—And How to Leverage ‘Zone of Genius’ to Change That. With Dr Natalie Fayman and Crystal Stokes
The podcast episode discusses the challenges and realities faced by veterinarians in their professional environments, focusing on toxic workplace cultures, undervalued employees, and the importance of team development. The speakers share personal experiences of dealing with unethical practices, disconnection from leadership, and the negative impact of profit-driven metrics on veterinary medicine. They emphasize that workplace dissatisfaction often stems not from overt hostility but from subtle signals of being ignored or undervalued. Solutions discussed include fostering communication, investing in team development, and creating pathways for employee growth. The conversation also explores how prioritizing team well-being leads to better financial and reputational outcomes for veterinary practices. Through case studies, the speakers highlight the repercussions of neglecting team dynamics, such as high turnover and reduced morale, and advocate for a proactive, people-centered approach to leadership in veterinary clinics.
Hands up if you feel truly valued and respected at work.
In this episode, we dig deep into what truly makes employees feel valued and how leaders can create workplaces that people never want to leave. Spoiler: It’s not just about pay, pizza parties, or avoiding toxic behaviour. We’re aiming much higher!
Why You Should Listen
Workplaces that crack the code of real team respect and value don’t just retain their talent — they thrive. Whether you’re a team leader or an employed vet, this episode is packed with actionable insights on creating meaningful change, improving communication, and unlocking your unique “zone of genius.”
What Team Leaders Will Learn
• How to spot and fix the subtle cues that make employees feel unheard and replaceable.
•.The counter-intuitive financial upside of investing in team development.
“I think that organisations are sometimes coming in backwards, where it’s like: ‘Let’s just focus on the numbers and the metrics.’ If you develop amazing talent and build a strong team, you will make so much money. It is not the other way around.”
•.Practical tips to tackle team disengagement and avoid the high cost of turnover.
• Strategies for better communication and feedback without burning out as a leader.
“Because our brains are pre-programmed to attune to the negative, it’s going to be a negative story. So when people don’t understand what’s happening, they’re going to jump to the worst-case scenario, spread rumours, and act accordingly.”
What Employed Vets Will Learn
• How to advocate for yourself without feeling ‘pushy’ or ‘needy’.
• Why you might be feeling stuck in your role, and what to do about it.
• How to discover and step into your ‘zone of genius.’
“If I can maximise my time and attention there, I will be of most use to my company, my team, myself, my patients — everybody.”
Our guests are:
• Dr. Natalie Fayman: A veterinarian with 30+ years of clinical experience turned certified Positive Intelligence coach, and champion for less workplace dread and more veterinary dream teams
• Crystal Stokes: A former ER vet tech turned licensed psychotherapist and leadership coach. As the founder of Full Circle Lab, she’s on a mission to bridge the gap between veterinary leadership and teams.
Say not to settling for a ‘meh’ workplace by hitting play on this episode in to learn how to create (or find!) a role where you’re truly respected, valued, and thriving. Your veterinary dream team starts here!
Topics and Time Stamps:
06:23: Recognising the subtle things that make people feel undervalued
08:50: The counter-intuitive truth about investing time and money in team development
12:36: The repercussions of getting this wrong
18:13: Leveraging the team to get this right
21:25: Why it’s important to know the limits of your skills
25:23: Upcoming events and conferences
28:41: Pushing for change as someone who is not in a leadership role
35:05: Better systems for better feedback
37:32: Discovering your ‘zone of genius’
45:59: Addressing team disengagement
52:21: Effective communication and feedback
58:12: Podcast recommendations
58:52: The pass-along question
Lift your clinical game with our RACE approved clinical podcasts at https://hi.switchy.io/podpage-vvn for more clinical confidence and better patient outcomes, or check out our Advanced Surgery Podcast at cutabove.supercast.com.
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"How to Find Your ‘Zone of Genius’ and Excel in Your Career"
Finding your 'Zone of Genius' is crucial for career satisfaction and success. It involves identifying and leveraging your natural talents and skills to excel in your role. Here's how to uncover and harness your unique strengths:
- Self-Reflection and Feedback:
Introspection: Spend time reflecting on what activities you naturally gravitate towards. Consider the tasks that make you lose track of time because you are so engrossed in them. These are often indicators of your passions and areas where you excel.
Solicit Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues, friends, and family for their honest opinions on what they perceive as your strengths. They may offer insights you haven't considered. Observe who frequently seeks your help with specific tasks, as this can reveal your zone of genius3.
- Utilise Assessments and Tools:
Personality and Strength Assessments: Explore various assessments like StrengthsFinder or VIA assessment to gain a deeper understanding of your innate talents and areas where you naturally thrive. These tools can provide valuable insights to guide your career development.
- Observe Patterns and Embrace Challenges:
Notice Recurring Themes: Pay attention to tasks that consistently bring you a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. These are often aligned with your natural abilities and can point you towards your zone of genius.
Don't Shy Away from New Experiences: Stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things can help you discover hidden talents and expand your skillset. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Seek Mentorship and Guidance:
Connect with Mentors: Engage with experienced professionals in your field who can provide guidance and support as you explore your career path. Their insights can help you identify opportunities and navigate challenges.
- Communicate Your Strengths and Seek Opportunities:
Express Your Interests: Once you have a clearer understanding of your zone of genius, communicate your strengths and passions to your manager or team leader5. Actively seek opportunities to contribute in areas that align with your talents.
Propose Solutions and Initiatives: Demonstrate your skills and initiative by suggesting improvements to workflows or processes that fall within your zone of genius. This proactive approach can help you gain recognition and make a positive impact.
Remember that discovering and developing your zone of genius is an ongoing process. Continuously seek feedback, embrace challenges, and refine your skills. By leveraging your natural talents, you can not only excel in your current role, but also create a more fulfilling and impactful career journey.
5 Signs You’re in the Wrong Role—and How to Fix It
5 Signs You're in the Wrong Role
- You feel undervalued and unappreciated.
You do not see a path for advancement and feel stuck in a rut where each day feels the same. Your workflow is dysfunctional but you have no authority to change it and your suggestions fall on deaf ears. This might even lead to being fired for having too much influence, as in Natalie’s case.
- Your values do not align with the company’s.
You may pride yourself on integrity, but the company prioritizes profits over patient care and encourages practices you are not comfortable with.
- You feel disconnected from your boss and team.
You feel like you are being ignored, your voice is not being heard and there is no trust or psychological safety within the team.
- You are not using your zone of genius.
Your talents and skills are not being utilised, and you are not being given opportunities to grow and develop. Instead, you are expected to perform without investment from the company, and treated as a cog in a wheel. You may be asked to do tasks you do not enjoy or that take up too much time and energy.
- You are experiencing burnout and disengagement.
You have lost your motivation and passion for the work, and are starting to wonder why you are still there. You may be quiet quitting or considering leaving the organisation altogether [14].
How to Fix It
- Speak up and share your concerns.
Do not let resentment fester and wait until you are at the point of exploding. Write down your thoughts in a calm manner, outlining the challenges, the impacts, and possible solutions. Then, schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your ideas and be receptive to their feedback.
- Seek mentorship and support.
Talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members about your feelings, and seek advice from a career counsellor or therapist. This will give you a safe space to process your emotions and receive guidance. Consider investing in leadership training programs like those offered by Full Circle Lab to enhance your skills and discover your unique brand of leadership.
- Remember why you chose this career path.
Reconnect with your passion for veterinary science and try to find ways to reignite the spark. Seek opportunities to engage in activities that bring you joy and purpose, whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing a new area of interest.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Recognise that you cannot do everything yourself and that it is okay to seek outside help from experts in specific areas. Delegate tasks that are not in your zone of genius and trust others to do them well.
- Invest in your team.
Create a culture of psychological safety, trust, and open communication where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Regularly solicit feedback from your team and address issues promptly. Provide opportunities for growth and development, and recognize and appreciate your team’s contributions.
Remember, being in the wrong role can have a significant impact on your well-being, both personally and professionally. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to address the underlying issues, you can create a more fulfilling and meaningful career for yourself.
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