How to Maximize Technician Performance

It’s a known fact that the more you invest in your team, the better their performance will be. And, of course, the better your team’s performance, the more successful your practice will be. One role in particular that can pay dividends in the form of client retention and a stronger bottom line is that of veterinary technician. That said, are you certain you’re doing enough to empower and elevate your technicians to perform at their best? Here are a few key tips you may want to keep in mind.

Let Them Earn What They’re Worth

Your technicians have gone through rigorous education and training to earn their credentials. If you’re paying them to do work that’s beneath their skillset, like laundry and cleaning, not only are you wasting money, but you’re also failing to challenge and empower them. Keep your tech team happy and engaged while also maximizing your investment by making sure they’re operating to their fullest ability. If you need to hire additional staff to do non-technical work, so be it. The rate will be lower anyway.

Play to Their Strengths

Veterinary technicians may require certain universal skillsets, but that doesn’t mean all of your techs are cut from the same cloth. Some may be better at multi-tasking than others, while others are more productive when focused on one task at a time. An introvert may be more suited toward lab work while your extroverted techs might prefer educating clients. Get to know your team’s individual strengths and preferences and then provide each the chance to maximize those strengths.

Provide Learning Opportunities

One of the biggest motivators for veterinary technicians is mastery. Most technicians take great pride in their abilities and revel at the chance to expand their knowledge and grow their skills. When there’s little opportunity to learn new things within the practice, however, it can become increasingly difficult to stay motivated and engaged. As such, not only should your team have access to external educational resources, but they should also have plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning of new techniques.

Prioritize Your CE Budget

As mentioned, mastering new skills is a big driver of performance and retention. If you don’t already have a decent CE budget set aside for your staff, make sure it’s on your list of priorities. Investing in individual team members can help the entire team as a whole. For instance, you may pay for one technician’s CE, who will then return to the clinic and teach others what they have learned. You can even formalize this process by tapping one team member to present something new that they’ve learned at each monthly meeting.

Focus on Team Building

Trust is fundamental to exceptional client care. Without trust, veterinary technicians simply cannot maximize their potential. A great way to develop and nurture trust amongst your staff is to invest in regular team building activities. There are any number of ways to strengthen your team dynamic, and what may work for one practice may not be ideal for another. What’s important isn’t how you build and support your team, but that you focus on doing so as a top business strategy.

The veterinary field has changed tremendously over the past several years, and continues to evolve to this day. Veterinary technicians are at the heart of this transformation. By supporting them in their careers, everyone benefits – the techs, the practice and, most importantly, the clients and patients.

Our Tips, Tricks, and Expert Advice

How can investing in the veterinary team contribute to the success of a veterinary practice?

Investing in the veterinary team, especially technicians enhances performance and client satisfaction. By recognizing their worth, playing to individual strengths, providing learning opportunities, prioritizing CE, and fostering team trust, the practice achieves efficiency, innovation, and exceptional care, ultimately ensuring long-term success.

What role do individual strengths and preferences play in maximizing the performance of veterinary technicians?

Individual strengths and preferences in veterinary technicians impact performance. Tailoring tasks to their skills enhances engagement and efficiency. Some thrive in multitasking, others in focused roles. Recognizing and leveraging these differences optimizes the team's capabilities, contributing to overall success.

Why is it crucial to prioritize a Continuing Education (CE) budget for veterinary technicians?

Prioritizing a CE budget for veterinary technicians is vital. It fosters continuous learning, skill development, and innovation. Investing in their education enhances individual performance and elevates the entire team's expertise, contributing to top-notch patient care and the practice's long-term success.

How has the veterinary field evolved, and why are veterinary technicians considered central to this transformation?

The veterinary field has evolved significantly with advanced treatments and technologies. Veterinary technicians play a central role by adapting to these changes, handling complex tasks, and contributing to enhanced patient care. Their versatility is pivotal in navigating the modern landscape of veterinary practice.

What are the potential benefits of investing in veterinary technicians' careers for the overall success of the practice, clients, and patients?

Investing in veterinary technicians benefits the practice by improving efficiency, client satisfaction, and patient care. Enhanced skills and morale contribute to a stronger team, better service, and ultimately, long-term success for the practice, satisfied clients, and healthier patients.

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