021:Feedback in Veterinary Teams: What Actually Builds Trust?

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a question that hits a nerve for many veterinary professionals: why does feedback so often feel threatening instead of helpful?Grounded in brand-new veterinary research on psychological safety, communication quality, and turnover intention, this episode unpacks how the way feedback is delivered can shape trust, team culture, and whether people choose to stay in a practice long term. Rather than treating feedback as simply correcting mistakes, this conversation reframes feedback as a relational and cultural tool that directly impacts psychological safety.You’ll hear: Why the phrase “Can I give you some feedback?” instantly puts many people on the defensive  What psychological safety actually means in veterinary teams  Why supervisor feedback has such a strong influence on retention  The surprising role coworker feedback plays in shaping workplace culture  How leaders create the emotional tone of a practice through everyday communication  The difference between corrective feedback and growth-oriented conversations  Practical ways veterinary leaders can improve feedback culture and psychological safety Whether you are a veterinary technician, assistant, veterinarian, manager, or practice owner, this episode offers a science-backed and deeply practical look at how communication shapes culture from the inside out.Because thriving veterinary teams are not built through fear of feedback. They are built through conversations that create trust.Resource LinksEpisode ArticleTitle: A cross-sectional study exploring associations between psychological safety, employee turnover intention and feedback skills in veterinary organisationsAuthors:Olivia Oginska, Michelle McArthur, Amy Zadow, Nic Gibson and Martin CakeDOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70498Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team CommunicationFlorida Man This Week - Own Truck What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] 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 Why Feedback Feels Threatening05:18 New Vet Med Study Tease06:03 When Feedback Lands Well07:44 Collaboration Builds Trust10:59 Retention Beyond Pay13:15 Study Methods and Sample15:58 Manager Feedback Drives Retention16:48 Coworker Feedback and Safety21:08 Leaders Set Emotional Tone25:27 Feedback as Relationship Tool28:14 Culture Renovation Playbook37:13 Closing and Sign OffCheck out The Flourish Academy to learn more about our collection of on-demand topics, mini courses, and deep dive masterclasses designed to help YOU flourish!