Those new arrivals

We haven't told our dog, Sebastian, that he'll have a new sibling this August. When our son was born a few years ago, Sebastian was the most enthusiastic cheerleader you could ask for. So I'm hoping he'll revive that same joyous spirit when he has another little human brother or sister. These transitions take patience, but there are many little rewards along the way.

It took a few years, but that squirming little bundle has grown up into a little boy who can pet and cuddle, throw a ball, and go on long romps in the backyard. And I think Sebastian appreciates the addition to our pack, because he always has a friendly lick for Donovan when he greets him at the door.

Portia Stewart

New team members can be a bit like this. When they first arrive at your practice, they may need a lot of time and care. They may even drain some of the time your managers had reserved for you, which can cause resentment.

So what can you do? My advice is to accept. As your practice grows, you may lose some time and attention from your managers, but you also gain more freedom. This is your chance to grow into new roles, to take on more responsibility and even become a mentor to new team members.

While your managers' time may be dedicated to bringing new team members up to speed, think how much they'll appreciate your independence and your willingness to step up while those new team members learn the ropes. In these little ways you prove your value and demonstrate leadership.

It's exciting to be the teacher, and it's a great learning opportunity for you, too. After all, when you teach new team members, you get the chance to reevaluate your approach through someone else's eyes—and maybe even see room for improvement. And working with a newbie offers a nice reminder about all of the things you love about your job—educating new pet owners, caring for puppies and kittens or senior pets, and working with people who care for animals just as much as you do. Sure, those new arrivals take some getting used to. But give them a chance and you just might learn to love them.

Portia Stewart, Editor

firstline@advanstar.com

P.S. We're excited to announce Firstline was a finalist in the Jesse H. Neal Awards for the article, "Why clients leave," which appeared in the November/December 2007 issue. Presented by American Business Media, the Neal awards recognize editorial excellence and have been called the Pulitzer Prize of the business media.