Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita discuss a common veterinary leadership problem: a highly skilled lead technician whose confidence has become condescension, leaving teammates walking on eggshells while she insists she is “just being direct” or “efficient.” They recommend avoiding debates about whether her style is right or wrong, and instead focusing on impact, perception versus intention, and the real cost to efficiency when morale drops, productivity suffers, or staff quit. Using DISC, they frame her as a likely D-style communicator and advise managing her with clear, direct specifics, paired with positive leadership framing and a development plan. Action steps include getting “SAFE” (Smile, Assume good intent, Fault, End result), setting concrete expectations, planning follow-up, and documenting behavior if change does not happen. Maria Pirita is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional and former hospital administrator. In her work with Uncharted Veterinary Conference and beyond, Maria has presented to veterinarians and teams across the US and Canada on topics including veterinary marketing, feedback, team building, and positive work culture. With over 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine and over 20 years in leadership, she's passionate helping leaders develop their skills. Maria loves any activity that involves creativity or learning something new. This leads to an abundance of hobbies including crafting, traveling, cooking and aviation.Mentioned in this episode:Uncharted Practice Owner Summit at NAVC SkillShopOwning a veterinary practice comes with challenges no one teaches you in school. The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit, hosted at NAVC SkillShop in Orlando, is a hands-on leadership workshop designed to help owners strengthen their teams, improve operations, and make confident business decisions. This small-group, working session focuses on real-world tools and honest conversations, not passive lectures. Spots are limited. Register now!Register for The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit Today!Zoetis - Simparica TrioLearn more about Simparica-Trio!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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