Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

How to manage and resolve conflict
It is the leader's role to manage and resolve conflict.

Performance coach Katherine Eitel advises delegates at BSAVA Congress 

No one likes conflict, but it is the leader's role to manage and resolve it. Performance coach Katherine Eitel gave some excellent advice on how to do this in her lecture at BSAVA Congress in Birmingham (5-8 April).

She said before the leader/manager steps into a conflict conversation, they need to have decided what their role in the conflict has been and take on responsibility for this. They need to challenge their belief systems so that they behave in a truly neutral manner and handle the conversation from a positive place without negative thoughts.

When handling conflict conversations it is helpful to consider these four important words:

Gift - see conflict as a gift. Do not shy away from it, but see it as an opportunity to sort out a problem

Expectation - expect the conversation to go well and that at the very least you will learn from it

Choice - remember that everyone has a choice, but your standards are set in stone. If someone does choose not to follow them, perhaps they should choose a different job or role

Open - always remain open to the thought that your ideas are not necessarily the only right ones.

Katherine said there are a number of rules of engagement for conflict conversations.
There should be no 'talking backwards' - always move forward with issues.

No two people see the past equally, they will have their own versions of what might have occurred. It is important to accept this and move on to solutions rather than arguing.

Katherine also suggested using the following ARCH acronym:

A - agree to acknowledge any issues and find mutual goals
R - request a new agreement
C - clarify what has been agreed people do not always hear or understand what you think they do
H- always leave people with hope.

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.