Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th November 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Creating high performance teams
interview
Interviewing can be effectively used to find out the culture of potential employees.
Top tips shared at London Vet Show

Speaking to delegates at London Vet Show, Vets4Pets learning and development manger, Scott Bearman-Brown, explained that real teams are interdependent and rely on each other and effective teams enable leaders to be free to pursue new goals.

Teams must contain the right people and, when recruiting, it is really important to find new team members who are the right 'cultural fit' and who will reflect and adapt to the practice culture and values.

How you advertise for new recruits will have an effect on the type of people who apply and this helps to filter applicants. In other words, design your adverts in the right way to attract the right people.

Interviewing can also be effectively used to find out the culture of potential employees. Ask questions such as: 'What prevents you from performing at your best?', 'What do you look for in colleagues?' or 'Describe the working environment  that enables you to work at your best'. This will help to give a clearer picture of an individual and whether or not they are the kind of potential team member you are looking for.

Teams need leaders and a good leader will set tasks and standards, monitor progress and make sure objectives are achieved. They will also be instrumental in turning the group of people into a team, using motivation and feedback and increasing team freedoms - thus helping them to develop.

Just as important is the development of the individuals within a team and a good leader will be able to assess and provide the help and support that the individual team members require.

Scott's final piece of advice on teamwork looked at getting people to work well by showing them that the goals set need to have a CAUSE, so these goals need to be:
  • Clear
  • Achievable
  • Urgent
  • Significant
  • Engaging

Creating good teams is not easy, it has to be worked at but by adopting at least some of the strategies Scott described, managers will be able to move nearer to the kind of teams they would like to have in their practice.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.