Over twenty vet professionals, including vets, RVNs, practice owners and directors and industry professionals came together in a recent online event hosted by Veterinary Women In Leadership (VWIL) to discuss how we can all make a difference in promoting healthy leadership in the profession.
Participants in shared their perspectives on the theme of “What can the career stories of the past teach the leaders of the future?” and discussed topics including developing confidence in making career decisions, tackling issues of practice culture, and how veterinary leaders can best support inclusivity and diversity within the profession.
Everyone can use the influence they have in positive ways and develop their leadership qualities. Continuing to learn, sharing that learning with others, and exploring what can be learned from each other’s experiences of success and failure can help to guide career development and help facilitate strong future leadership within the profession.
Watch the full discussion here:
Tackling the challenges
Inclusivity and diversity is an important aspect of leadership in veterinary communities currently. Delegates discussed how to promote inclusive practice cultures and engage new generations of vets. “It is powerful to acknowledge that we’re not homogenous,” suggested one. “We can model making space for different sorts of people… and we can advocate. You don’t have to be part of a marginalised group to call out poor behaviour. It’s important to be honest, but it doesn’t have to be adversarial.” Another commented, “Some people get things wrong with the best of intentions, so trying to be kind by being part of an allyship is important for good results.”
Current leaders described how they were tackling these challenges through evidence-based policies and training on diversity and inclusion, and other ‘soft skills’, with the view that they are essential CPD within the profession. “Diversity and inclusion are also quality of care issues. We are not doing our jobs properly if we are not inclusive of people,” said one veterinary advisor.
Those taking part expressed the importance of feedback within organisations. People in all roles – leaders and non-leaders, male and female – welcome the chance to share their views, hear other perspectives and are keen to build on this with continuing dialogue and a shared purpose. It’s valuable for all in the profession to be able to access opportunities to get together with like-minded people from different parts of the industry for robust discussion, sharing ideas and supporting each other positively to learn and grow.
Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments or in the VWIL Facebook group, open to everyone within the profession, helps to support discussion and networking: https://www.facebook.com/groups/699945773924495/about
VWIL will be running an online CPD event on 7th December 2022, entitled “Realise Your Leadership Potential”, aiming to explore actions delegates can take towards reaching their career goals. Register here to benefit from an amazing line-up of speakers, sharing their knowledge, insights and experiences to inspire others.
‘Veterinary Women in Leadership’ (VWIL) is a platform for the veterinary community supporting women in developing the knowledge, skills and inspiration to fulfil their leadership potential. VWIL hosts a variety of in-person and online CPD events covering a wide range of topics, such as finance & negotiation skills, marketing & social media training, learning about different leadership styles and understanding workplace culture. VWIL events also provide excellent networking opportunities, involving professionals from throughout the sector. VWIL is a collaborative effort between XLVets and Veterinary Woman; together on a mission to inspire and facilitate strong, healthy and representative leadership fit for the future of the profession.
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