In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into what really sits behind so-called “unicorn clinics”—and it turns out it is not luck, perks, or fairy dust. It is communication.
Grounded in a 2012 study by communication scholars Paul Madlock and Melanie Booth-Butterfield, this conversation explores relational maintenance: the everyday communication behaviors coworkers use to stay connected, supported, and resilient at work.
Through real veterinary examples, leadership reflections, and a few well-placed dad jokes, this episode breaks down the science behind thriving teams and highlights the top three communication behaviors most strongly linked to job satisfaction, commitment, and wellbeing.
You’ll hear:
- What people actually mean when they talk about a “unicorn clinic”
- The seven relational maintenance strategies coworkers use to sustain strong relationships
- The top three communication behaviors most predictive of thriving teams
- Why positivity, shared effort, and healthy conflict repair matter more than we realize
- How these behaviors meet core human needs for belonging, care, and influence
- What this research means for veterinary leaders and teams who want to renovate their culture intentionally
Whether you are searching for a unicorn clinic—or hoping to build one from the inside out—this episode offers science-backed insight and practical perspective on how small, everyday communication choices can transform the way veterinary teams work, connect, and thrive.
Resource Links:
Episode Article:
Title: The influence of relational maintenance strategies among coworkers
Authors: Paul Madlock and Melanie Booth-Butterfield
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0021943611425237
Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication
Florida Man This Week - Opossum
Oura ring - www.oura.com
Portlandia (TV series 2011-2018)
What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet
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: Building a Unicorn Clinic
00:54 Personal Anecdotes and Oura Ring Insights
02:33 3D Printing Adventures
06:21 The Magic of Unicorn Clinics
13:45 Relational Maintenance Strategies
23:20 Real-Life Application of Team Strategies
24:34 Transformative Experience with a Surgery Team
27:29 The Role of Leaders in Team Dynamics
39:27 Practical Steps for Conflict Management
45:47 Unusual Florida Man Story
47:10 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement
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