Owners' and associates' views differ on team training

When we asked doctors and team members how their practices handle team training, we expected a discrepancy. And the responses did, in fact, point to a difference of opinion—but it wasn't between doctors and team members. Instead it's owners and associates whose views fall on different ends of the spectrum. For instance, 76 percent of owners say team members receive regular performance feedback, whereas only 56 percent of associates agree, according to the 2008 Veterinary Economics Business Issues Study.

This isn't surprising when you think about it. First, associates might not enjoy direct lines of communication with team members. Second, team members might say one thing to owners and another to associates. Finally, owners might be over-reporting their team training efforts, consciously or not.

Frequency of in-house training.

The lesson in all this is that it's important for associates to connect with team members and owners, and vice versa. Associates provide fresh insights, and they may notice areas where the practice could benefit from holding some additional training. And while associates must make an effort to learn the practice ropes, it's important for owners—and team members—to help them along. Open up the lines of communication, and you'll be well on your way.

What owners, associates, and team members have to say.