A team is not just a collection of individuals who happen to work in the same place. To be successful, teams need mutual respect, a shared vision, and a common goal. Teams also need to be dynamic, flexing to accommodate the needs of all members. Teams that work well together are more productive, come up with better solutions to problems, and spot mistakes more quickly.
It is easy to think of a pet’s visit to the clinic as an interaction between the client and the veterinarian but in reality, it usually involves multiple members of the team beyond just the veterinarian leading the appointment. The veterinary team is made up of many people, all with different roles and responsibilities and often working under considerable pressure. Communication and collaboration are key to make sure that the team works well, the pet receives the best care, and the client leaves happy.