Helping Our Teams Manage Their Stress with Leah Parris

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you find yourself in the management role, no one tells you that a large part of it is helping our teams manage their stress. Yes, this means the stress they feel while at work, but stress is not easily compartmentalized and our teams are bringing stress from home into the workplace. What can we do as managers to help the team deal with stress, ensure their wellbeing, and cultivate a positive practice culture?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s guest is Leah Parris, one of 2022’s VHMA Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship recipients and Practice Manager at Loving Hands Animal Clinic in Georgia. Leah began her career 15 years ago as a technician and has worked her way into management. In addition, Leah is a certified compassion fatigue professional and makes it clear that she is concerned about the wellbeing and happiness of her staff. In this episode, Leah shares ways that she does just that and tips on providing the safe space your team needs to deal with various stressors in this field.</span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Show Notes:</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[2:23] - Team stress impacts the whole practice. It has a domino effect.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[4:01] - When home life is stressful, it can be hard to separate how we feel when we’re at work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[5:02] - Stress is inevitably taken home from work as well.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[6:13] - Validating someone’s stress is the first important step.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[7:15] - Managers are not mental health professionals but can and should direct concerns to someone who can help.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[8:36] - Sometimes a moment to vent is all someone needs. Leah has check-ins with her team to offer a listening ear.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[10:51] - There may be simple fixes to some stressful situations.</span></p> <