In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore why some veterinary teams feel energized, supportive, and fully engaged - while others feel stuck just going through the motions. The difference is not talent, workload, or motivation. It is how people support one another at work.
Grounded in a large meta-analysis on interpersonal support and self-determination theory, this convo unpacks how meeting core psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness shapes motivation, wellbeing, and performance across teams and leadership relationships.
Through real-world veterinary scenarios, leadership reflections, and a few well-earned laughs, this episode examines why compliance-driven cultures fall short—and how commitment grows when people feel trusted, capable, and genuinely supported.
You’ll hear:
Whether you are leading a veterinary team, working within one, or trying to understand why energy feels high in some clinics and low in others, this episode offers science-backed insight into how everyday interactions shape commitment, connection, and thriving at work.
Resource Links:
Episode Article:
Title: Interpersonal Supports for Basic Psychological Needs and Their Relations with Motivation, Wellbeing, and Performance: A Meta-Analysis
Authors:Gavin R. Slemp, James G. Field, Richard M. Ryan, Vivien W. Forner, Anja Van den Broeck, and Kelsey J. Lewis
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000459
Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication
Florida Man This Week - Shopping Cart
Georgia Aquarium
What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet
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 Building Trust and Commitment in Veterinary Teams
00:42 Casual Conversations and Personal Stories
01:18 Exciting News and Upcoming Events
03:56 Farm Life and Teamwork
05:23 Comparing Veterinary Practices
12:42 The Impact of Team Support on Motivation and Performance
23:24 Commitment Over Compliance
23:45 The Horse Metaphor for Training
24:39 Loosening the Reins in Training
25:33 Clarity Plus Coaching Equals Success
25:48 Supporting Competency Needs
27:30 Personal Story: Overcoming Challenges with Support
30:52 The Power of Peer Support
32:56 Renovating Veterinary Cultures
33:14 Autonomy Support Moves for Leaders
39:11 Competence Support Moves
42:40 Relatedness Support Moves
45:04 Florida Man: A Lighthearted Conclusion
46:48 Closing Remarks
