Are You a Manager or a Leader?

Dr. Becky Nicholson

Are you a manager or a leader? Learning the difference can be a real asset, in terms of recognizing your strengths and the strengths of others you employ. There’s an important role for both characters within a veterinary practice.

What makes a good manager?

As a manager, you are someone who knows their goal and will have others working effectively towards that goal on your behalf. An effective manager establishes consistent practice and efficient working based on target-driven motivation. You are likely to be organized, able to delegate, and able to follow instructions accurately.

You might find that you are less good at lateral thinking, troubleshooting, and adapting to change, however.

As a natural leader, you may struggle with regulation, structure, and deadlines.

What makes a good leader?

An effective leader is someone who can motivate those around them with inspiration. As a leader, you are more creative, with ambitions unencumbered by targets. A leader will use initiative to expand ideas. Leaders often surpass expectations and change targets, rather than achieve what was set for them.

As a natural leader, you may struggle with regulation, structure, and deadlines.

Can I be both a manager and a leader?

This is a tricky combination, but it is achievable. It is commonplace in the veterinary world for heads of practice to be alone at the top, needing to manage and lead. If that’s you, try and establish whether you’re a readymade leader or manager, then play to those strengths. However, be aware of areas where you could borrow qualities from the other side.

When hiring senior staff, look for someone to complement, not mirror, you. As veterinarians in a caring profession, a creative, chaotic but workaholic leader is more common. Consider employing a manager who is diligent, organized, and able to focus your inspirational style to help move the business forward.

Becky Nicholson

Becky has worked as a vet in the South West of England since graduating in 2011. Having worked with farm animals and horses in the past, Becky now works solely with pet animals. She particularly enjoys caring for elderly patients and those with long-term health conditions.