010: Ask, Don't Tell: Coaching Skills to Boost Connection in Your Vet Med Culture (PART 2)

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh return for Part 2 of their conversation on coaching communication—this time turning insight into action.

Building on the science from The Effectiveness of Workplace Coaching: A Meta-Analysis of Contemporary Psychologically Informed Coaching Approaches (2021), this episode explores how curiosity comes to life through Sir John Whitmore’s GROW model - a simple, powerful framework for creating confidence, motivation, and connection on veterinary teams.

From goal setting to growth mindset, Andi and Josh break down each step of GROW through a positive psychology lens—showing how just a few intentional questions can shift culture, empower teams, and bring out the best in everyone.

You’ll hear:

• How the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) can transform team conversations
• Why connecting goals to personal values sparks motivation and meaning
• Ways to reframe “what’s wrong” into “what’s strong” when exploring workplace reality
• Simple curiosity-driven questions that open up new possibilities
• How small coaching moments—just a few minutes long—can reshape your culture from the inside out

Whether you’re a leader, technician, or teammate, this episode gives you the tools to put curiosity into action and start creating the kind of culture every veterinary professional deserves to be part of.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches
Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall

DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030

Coaching For Performance (6th edition) By Sir John Whitmore

GROW Coaching Worksheet - From The Flourishing Center

Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?
Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV 

Florida Man This Week - George Foreman Grill

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [e-mail]

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 Introduction to Part Two

00:41 Weekend Stories and Personal Anecdotes

05:56 The Importance of Curiosity in Coaching

11:24 Diving into the Grow Model

17:34 The Power of Future-Oriented Goals

18:21 Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Efficacy

19:35 Curiosity in Goal Setting

20:40 Reality Check: Balancing Barriers and Strengths

23:14 Exploring Options with Curiosity

25:10 The Impact of Asking the Right Questions

29:07 Implementing the GROW Model in Practice

35:04 Practical Tips for Leaders

36:57 Conclusion and Fun Segment