b"ARTICLEThinking of opening The veterinaryIntroverts are less likely to seek credit fora more experienced team member thereyour own vet practice profession needsevery decision, often empowering theirto support them, helps build confidence, diverse leadershipteams and allowing others to shine.skills and trust. With so many incrediblebut you dont knowTrusted advisors to the With all this in mind and throughmentor programs available - not least styles, and oftenmy own practical application andthe Veterinary Women In Leadershipveterinary professionthe 'right' leaderexperiences, Ive developed a toolkit tomentorship scheme - a dynamicwhere to start?is the person thatcreate a veterinary workplace wherepartnership can bring value to both all personality types can benefit andparties, helping aspiring professionals understands the needsnavigate leadership roles in a way that of the team and thesucceed.feels supportive and authentic.business best.Practical Strategies for Support4. Holding space for quieter teamIts not just about the moneyHow can we support quieter voices inmembers might not come naturally, high-pressure settings? so louder voices often dominate. But These four simple strategies can beactively making room at the table for applied to every clinical team, creatingdeep thinkers ensures all voices are Primarily Shire guided the acquisition process andKeith Dickinsonspace for everyone to contribute andheard. So next time someone interrupts a feel valued, while making space for allquiet colleague, step in and say Id love voices. to hear you finish your idea or thought. provided multiple introductions for funding. Keith 1. Anonymous surveys and private feedback allow those that find it difficultand Graham have a wealth of experience and are to speak up in meetings to share theirLeadership carries a great weight, valuable thoughts and insight, andbut it doesnt need to be loudwealso nice people to talk to, making a complicated have their say without the pressure ofhave fluid pumps for that! finding an immediate response. Surveysprocess simple. With years of veterinary expertise, can be used pre- and post- meetings to gather confidential feedback orLasting Impact the team have a bank of other key contacts within suggest solutions to common or complexThe veterinary profession needs diverse problems.leadership styles, and often the 'right'the industry, all significant to our success.Graham Scott2. One to one meetings are whereleader is the person that understands introverts excel, especially if you canthe needs of the team and the business References 1. YouGovbest. Friendship Study (2021)provide an agenda upfront! Thoughtful https://yougov.co.uk/ ALEXIA MILLS - WHISKERS VETS discussion and creative problem- Challenging the status quo will create a society/articles/38491-yougov-friendship- solving conversations are where youllmore inclusive, thoughtful and effective study 2. Lea J., et al.see an introvert come alive. Regularteam. Creating a culture that simply Differences in regional brain volume related to thecheck-ins are the perfect safe-space toacknowledges quiet strength will benefit extraversionintroversiongather genuine thoughts and feedbackeveryone, not just introverts. dimensionA voxel-based morphometry study.and have those deep, meaningful Neuroscience ResearchTheres space for every type of leader (2012). Volume 72, Issue 1,conversations that an introvert loves!and our profession will be better for it. Pages 59-67. 3. Fischer R., et al. Dopamine genes are3. Mentoring is an amazing resource forSo, for those of us that thrive on deep linked to Extraversion andany member of the veterinary team, butconnections, listen actively and quietly Neuroticism personality traits, but only in demandingespecially for those progressing up andobserve, our true strength lies in being climates. Scientific Reportinto a leadership role. Carefully curatingauthentic, intentional and holding the (2018). Volume 8, Issue 1, Page 1733.mentor pairings, to ensure everyone hasdoor open for othersCall us onNicky Diver-Clarke RVN 01827 306 532Nicky Diver-Clarke RVN is a communications strategist, veterinary nurse, writer,and talk to the speaker and advocate for quiet leadership in vet med. With over 10 years clinical experience and 5+ years in animal health marketing, she champions introverted strengths in leadership, psychological safety, and inclusive team dynamics. Recognisedexperts todayon the 2025 Game Changers: Introverts to Watch list, Nicky is redefining leadership in veterinary practice - proving that leadership doesnt have to be loud to make an impact.12www.inspiredvet.co.uk info@shirevet.co.uk"