So, You Built a Great Clinic Culture… Now What?

I want to share something that often gets overlooked when we talk about building culture in a veterinary practice.

Once you’ve built a great culture — one where people support each other, communicate well, and genuinely enjoy coming to work — it’s tempting to think, “Ah yes. We have reached the mountaintop. Time to coast.”

I know that feeling well, because I’ve had that exact thought myself. I remember a time in my clinic when things were running smoothly. The team was connected, the atmosphere was light, and communication was strong. And I thought, “Beautiful. We’ve arrived.” So, I stepped back just a bit, assuming the culture would simply sustain itself.

But over time, I started to notice small shifts — a comment that didn’t get addressed, a misunderstanding left to linger, a little frustration tucked away instead of talked through. Nothing dramatic, just a subtle erosion that snuck in when I wasn’t looking. That’s when it hit me: culture doesn’t maintain itself.

It needs tending, every single day. And honestly, culture is a lot like smoking a brisket on the Traeger. When you first get that brisket going, the excitement is real. You’ve seasoned it perfectly, the smoker is humming along, and the smell could stop traffic. You feel like a culinary icon. But if you walk away thinking it will “just do its thing” for the next 8 hours, don’t be surprised when you return to a tough, dry, deeply disappointing hunk of meat — the kind your dog politely declines. Great brisket requires attention — a little check-in here, a small temperature adjustment there, maybe a spritz or a wrap. Small, steady touches. Not hovering — just tending.

Culture is the same. A quick check-in at the start of the day, even just a few minutes, keeps everyone aligned. Noticing and acknowledging the good in real time reinforces the behaviors that build trust. Addressing small concerns early prevents resentment from growing. Asking questions instead of assuming someone’s intent keeps communication open and grounded in respect.

None of this is dramatic. None of it requires grand gestures. It’s the consistent small actions that keep a culture healthy. So here’s your encouragement today: you’ve already done the hard work of building something good.

Now stay after it. Tend to it. Protect it. Adjust when needed. Culture is a living thing — and living things grow when we care for them consistently. And if you ever need a reminder, just think of the neglected brisket — because no one wants chewy culture.