Ask Shawn: The veterinarian plays favorites

Q: There's a technician at our practice who can do no wrong in our employer's eyes. He oversteps boundaries and gets away with it. How should we deal with this team member?

—PEEVED AT BOSS'S PET

DEAR PEEVED:

Start by identifying all of the employee's behaviors that don't match the practice's values. Then request a meeting with the practice owner and manager to discuss your concerns. Explain that you're in a bind, and you need their help. You want to be a faithful employee, but you're confused about how to handle the behavior of a team member who appears to be untouchable. Ask your managers how they want you to deal with the problem. If their answer contradicts the practice's values, you must decide whether you want to work with managers who won't walk the talk.

I also suggest requesting a meeting with your co-worker where you or a group representative confronts him with his behavior. During this intervention, it's important to follow these steps:

1. Describe his actions that affected you in behavioral terms.

2. Discuss how his actions affected you.

3. Ask him if he agrees and understands how his behavior affects you and other members of your team.

4. Ask for his commitment to change.

If he says no, tell him that you won't let this issue go until he adjusts his behavior. Then explain that you'll confront him every time he violates practice values. My hunch is that if you and other team members confront him every time he's offensive, the behavior will stop. If not, move on. There are lots of great clinics out there that will appreciate your contribution.

—SHAWN

Shawn McVey, MA, MSW, is a member of the Firstline and Veterinary Economics editorial advisory boards and is CEO of McVey Management Solutions in Chicago. For videos and articles containing more of McVey's tips and tricks on issues relating to veterinary personnel management, conflict, and communication, visit dvm360.com/mcvey.