Keeping Training Fresh, Fun, and Continual

VHMA Manager to Manager

Today’s topic is all about the importance of continuous training and how we can keep it fun and fresh. When it comes to training team members, no matter what their role is, managers might be feeling the stress and the worry. Turnover rates are high in all industries right now, so how can we design training sessions and content to keep things fresh, fun, and continual?

Julie Nash joins us today with 27 years experience in the vet world. From the technical to the managerial, Julie has done it all. In addition to managing a practice, she is also a consultant helping other practices with this exact problem.

With all of her experience in the industry and even as a certified professional in human resources, Julie answers a lot of questions in this episode and offers resources to use in training to keep things fun. With her guidance, we’ll learn how to get started and how to keep the momentum going.

Show Notes:

[2:14] - Julie has a lot of experience in multiple areas of the veterinary field.

[4:02] - Training has to be fun. People learn more when they are energized but also at ease and comfortable where they are.

[5:25] - What’s the difference between a subject matter expert and someone who has the skills to teach?

[6:21] - People who are highly skilled tend to forget how intimidating they can be.

[7:31] - Having ongoing conversations with everyone involved is important. We learn how other people learn and what they need when we continue to converse.

[8:47] - It is humbling to be the person who does not feel comfortable asking questions. Humility is the most important value as a trainer.

[10:02] - Every role has a different set of expectations and the same is true for putting people in charge of training and development.

[12:19] - Julie admits that she didn’t realize the impact of having a strong momentum in training and development until she was put in charge of it.

[14:01] - Everyone has a turnover problem right now and it’s not just in the veterinary field.

[15:26] - Think about the essential skills for each role and start there when designing training material.

[16:42] - What are the basic competencies that need to be prioritized in early training? What gets them through a basic week?

[18:23] - If we don’t have a list of competencies and know exactly what each role needs before we begin training, we will continue to have turnover problems.

[20:35] - Through conversations, Julie learned the areas that needed training sessions and materials provided.

[22:12] - Cross training on some tasks can be a game changer for the practice.

[23:55] - Team building should also be considered when designing training content.

[24:44] - Nearpod and Kahoot are great resources to use in your practice to facilitate some games and training.

Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources.

Links and Resources:

• VHMA Web Page

• VHMA Coronavirus Resources

• VHMA Facebook

• VHMA Twitter

• VHMA on Linkedin

• Practice Moxie

• Nearpod

• Kahoot