392 - Great Vet Tech, Terrible Soft Skills

Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita tackle a challenge every veterinary leader knows too well: what do you do when your most technically skilled technician is quietly damaging your team with poor communication? In this episode, they break down the tension between clinical excellence and team culture, exploring how confidence can tip into condescension, why “I’m just being direct” is not a free pass, and how these behaviors impact morale, efficiency, and retention. They share practical strategies for addressing high-skill, low soft-skill team members, including reframing the conversation around impact, using communication frameworks like DISC, and creating clear expectations with accountability. If you have ever felt stuck between protecting your top performer and protecting your team, this episode will give you a path forward.

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