Huddles offer more chances to score

Move over, Steelers, there's a new team in town. Team members at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Pa., stole one of their favorite moves from the NFL playbook. Regular huddles after appointment and surgery shifts help doctors and team members evaluate their performance and brainstorm ideas to improve. They record suggestions on a special clipboard and implement them for a two- to three-week trial period. Then the group meets to decide whether to permanently implement the suggestion and incorporate it into the playbook-uh, employee handbook.

"Our huddles help keep clients and patients top priority and improve our practice," says Jane Pinkernell, a veterinary assistant and the facilities manager.