134: 5 Reasons Veterinary Teams Feel Undervalued—And How to Leverage ‘Zone of Genius’ to Change That. With Dr Natalie Fayman and Crystal Stokes
This episode takes a closer look at the challenges veterinarians face in their workplaces, including toxic cultures, feeling undervalued, and leadership that misses the mark. Our guests share personal experiences with unethical practices, profit-driven management, and the subtle yet damaging impact of being ignored or overlooked.
We also discuss practical strategies to address these issues, like improving communication, investing in team development, and creating opportunities for growth. The conversation highlights how focusing on team well-being can lead to better financial outcomes and a stronger reputation for veterinary practices.
Through real-life case studies, we explore the consequences of neglecting team dynamics—such as high turnover and low morale—and consider the benefits of adopting a more people-focused approach to leadership in veterinary clinics.
"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.
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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