In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a question that hits a nerve for many veterinary professionals: why does feedback so often feel threatening instead of helpful?

Grounded in brand-new veterinary research on psychological safety, communication quality, and turnover intention, this episode unpacks how the way feedback is delivered can shape trust, team culture, and whether people choose to stay in a practice long term. Rather than treating feedback as simply correcting mistakes, this conversation reframes feedback as a relational and cultural tool that directly impacts psychological safety.

You’ll hear:

•  Why the phrase “Can I give you some feedback?” instantly puts many people on the defensive 
•  What psychological safety actually means in veterinary teams 
•  Why supervisor feedback has such a strong influence on retention 
•  The surprising role coworker feedback plays in shaping workplace culture 
•  How leaders create the emotional tone of a practice through everyday communication 
•  The difference between corrective feedback and growth-oriented conversations 
•  Practical ways veterinary leaders can improve feedback culture and psychological safety 

Whether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply practical look at how communication shapes culture from the inside out.

Because thriving veterinary teams are not built through fear of feedback. They are built through conversations that create trust.

Resource Links

Episode Article

Title: A cross-sectional study exploring associations between psychological safety, employee turnover intention and feedback skills in veterinary organisations
Authors:Olivia Oginska, Michelle McArthur, Amy Zadow, Nic Gibson and Martin Cake

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70498

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Your Hosts
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps 

00:00 Why Feedback Feels Threatening

05:18 New Vet Med Study Tease

06:03 When Feedback Lands Well

07:44 Collaboration Builds Trust

10:59 Retention Beyond Pay

13:15 Study Methods and Sample

15:58 Manager Feedback Drives Retention

16:48 Coworker Feedback and Safety

21:08 Leaders Set Emotional Tone

25:27 Feedback as Relationship Tool

28:14 Culture Renovation Playbook

37:13 Closing and Sign Off

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