Dr. Shannon Bass wears a lot of hats in both her personal life and even more so in the veterinary field after working in almost every role in a hospital. She now holds the position of Director of Talent Acquisition, Specialty, for VCA Animal Hospitals. Knowing firsthand the challenges we face in the veterinary profession, Dr. Bass highlights the importance of developing and supporting hospital leaders.

Oftentimes promotion to a leadership or management role in a hospital comes from within the existing staff. Suddenly you’re expected to manage your peers, which can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially when you’re not provided the training, support, or resources you need. You are not alone and don’t rush to leave your position. There is information and support available if you just ask!

If you’re new to a leadership role, expecting a promotion, or even a hospital owner looking for ways to build up your leadership staff Dr. Bass and I go over some key skills and competencies that we think are really important for leaders but may not always come naturally.

• Effective communication
• Self/Emotional Regulation
• Vulnerability
• Time management
• Organization
• Decision making
• Understanding your risk aversion
• Developing Staff

Consider these skills, work on them, and seek resources but understand that you will not have them mastered overnight. Applying these skills in your leadership roles will take practice, repetition, and your own leadership style.

Dr. Bass encourages new leaders to take self-initiative and start preparing or “self-rescuing” right away. She recommends checking out Dr. Brené Brown’s book, Dare to Lead but you can also start by utilizing free resources by searching online, there is tons of information out there! 

If you want to contact Dr. Shannon Bass you can connect with her on LinkedIn.