Bad Things Good Teams Say: How to Avoid Tiny Comments that Wind Up Making Big Trouble for You

“If you ever want to get rid of that dog, let me know.” the veterinarian said with a wink and smile.

I winced.

This was a good veterinarian, really good, yet the words that came out of her mouth were bad, really bad. The owner of the dog exhaled a gentle laugh and the rest of the appointment was uneventful. So why was I horrified at a little joke?

The client loved their dog dearly. They thought of it as their child. As I stood observing the appointment it struck me what if this was my pediatrician and one of my daughters? What if my child’s trusted doctor told me, “If you ever want to put your child up for adoption, I’m sure she’ll have no problem finding a new home?” Awkward.

In my over twenty years of practice I’ve been a student of communication. I value the words I use with pet parents, staff, and colleagues. I appreciate a good joke, have been known to employ sarcasm, and honor the written word. Maybe that’s why this comment struck me oddly. Were there other bad things good vets said? […]