Veterinary practice manager script: Asking for more responsibility

If you're an experienced manager, you may be ready to ask for more responsibility in your practice. Adding financial tasks, such as measuring and tracking services and setting financial goals to boost the practice's productivity or helping update your fee structure, offer ways to grow in your job.

"A good place to begin is by understanding the staff payroll and benefits expense," says Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member Debbie Gair, CVPM. "This is a large financial budget item that directly relates to the manager's role of personnel supervisor. Other, smaller items include petty cash, continuing education for team members, and so on."

Before you start this conversation with your doctor, Gair suggests you ask yourself these questions:

> Who handles the finances now?

> Do I have an effective relationship with my boss, and can we split some of the financial tasks?

> What elements of the practice finances do I have the experience to take over?

> Do I need to pursue additional education or training to be prepared for this new responsibility?

Once you've considered these questions and your answers, you'll be better prepared to ask the doctor to delegate and explain any training you need to be successful. Consider this sample script:

YOU: "Dr. Smith, I've been your manager for several years, and I'm interested in increasing my effectiveness as your manager. I've been thinking about ways to expand my job role, allowing me to be more productive for our practice."

DOCTOR: "What do you have in mind?"

YOU: "It would be helpful if I could have a better understanding of our financials. [Mention the specific tasks you are interested in learning about and eventually taking over as well as any education you would need to pursue. Be specific.] Not only could we create more efficiency at our practice, we could free up your time to [insert a specific activity or goal your practice owner has mentioned, such as enjoying more time with family or spending more time with clients in the exam room]. Could we discuss this?"