Self care has a bad reputation as being too selfish, but in a world of high expectations, stress, and eventual burnout, self care is crucial. That’s why I asked Lillian Clegg to be on the VHMA Manager to Manager Podcast today. Not only is she an excellent practice manager, but she is a former massage therapist who knows all about the importance of self care.

 

In today’s episode, Lillian and I discuss the importance of self care and what that could look like. In some cases, it could be taking the well-deserved vacation time that you’ve earned. But in other instances, it could be as simple as taking a walk around the building to recenter yourself. Lillian gives excellent tips on how to fit a few minutes in everyday to take care of yourself and ways you can set boundaries for yourself and your staff to better avoid resentment and frustration.

 

We know there’s a lot of stress in this profession, so listen on for some ways you can start implementing positive self care practices into your routine.

 

Show Notes:

[2:57] - Lillian explains why she left her career as a massage therapist to the veterinarian field as an assistant.

[4:45] - In management particularly, there’s not a lot of downtime and the pandemic has changed the pressures. We can’t support the staff if we can’t support ourselves.

[5:48] - Many times, we don’t take the opportunity to care for ourselves. We strive to find a work-life balance for leaders but not always for ourselves.

[6:59] - Self care has a bad reputation for being selfish.

[7:48] - We can’t keep dwelling and worrying about burnout, we have to try to prevent it.

[8:40] - Lillian explains what she does to identify the need to step back for herself.

[9:57] - Sometimes the small things that only take a few minutes can have a huge impact.

[11:23] - It is important to just be human. If you need a moment, it’s necessary to take it.

[12:32] - Lillian has a lot of hospitals in her area and can collaborate with other managers.

[14:20] - Debbie shares her positive experience with a forum that she’s a part of.

[16:17] - Lillian admits that she used to not take her vacation time. But she has learned how important it is to take the time away that she has earned.

[18:30] - Teams need to be prepared if you are away. Empowerment talk is important.

[21:01] - Use sick days when you need them or you will become more physically ill.

[22:40] - We also need to be sure not to get irritated when others need to take time for self-care.

[23:50] - It is important to understand that staff need time off, too. There are some that are more chronic for calling out, but in general we need to consider this.

[26:26] - Lillian describes the boundaries she has in place for herself and how she communicates this to her team.

[28:42] - A boundary that should be in place is interruptions.

[30:54] - Phone calls after business hours or during time off could cause resentment. That is where boundaries come in.

[32:15] - Lillian avoids that resentment by having a team in place to handle issues when she is not working.

[33:54] - Although salaried, you should have a set schedule so expectations are clear on when you are available to support your staff.

[35:23] - As you set up boundaries of yourself and your staff, the boundaries of doctors should be respected as well.

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
• VCA Old Tappan Veterinary Hospital
• Lillian Clegg on LinkedIn