Vetcor, founded in 1997, has grown from a small network of veterinary hospitals to a leading community of over 900 locations across the United States and Canada. With nearly 3,000 veterinarians and a workforce of more than 16,000 employees, Vetcor supports general veterinary practices dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to over three million patients annually. Despite its rapid expansion, Vetcor maintains a commitment to preserving the unique culture and identity of each local practice while fostering a shared vision of growth, collaboration, and exceptional service.
Vetcor
Vetcor
The Challenge
Like many in the industry, Vetcor faced a critical shortage of qualified veterinarians amid what Chad Harris, DVM and VP of Veterinary Leadership, refers to as a “veterinary supply crisis.” In addition to recruitment challenges, Vetcor sought to elevate its approach to leadership developmentāmoving away from outdated leadership philosophies and toward more meaningful and impactful leadership skills development that would foster a workplace culture grounded in emotional intelligence (EQ).
āWe wanted something that would not just impact our people professionally, but personally,ā said Dr. Harris. āWe knew we needed to reduce HR issues, improve communication, and give our leaders the tools needed to advance in their careers.ā
The Solution
Vetcor partnered with TalentSmartEQ to implement a scalable emotional intelligence training initiative that could support leadership development, enhance communication, and improve employee retention.
TalentSmartEQ worked with Vetcor to develop a custom curriculum for VetcorāsĀ Emerging Leaders Program, a year-long program aimed at developing future leaders within the organization. A cohort of high potential leaders are selected each year to participate in the program. The Emerging Leaders Program includes 12 sessions, one per month, with two technical classes taught by Vetcor staff and 10 sessions led by TalentSmartEQās expert facilitator.
Key elements of the program include:
- Pre-Work to Assess EQ:Ā Each participant completes the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal®, prior to the start of the program, to assess their current EQ, and identify strengths and areas for development.
- Kickoff In-Person EQ Session: Each cohort begins with a face-to-face event, kicking off the program with Mastering Emotional Intelligence® Level 1.Ā Mastering EQ® Level 1 provides an overview of emotional intelligence and the 4 core skill areas ā Self Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness and Relationship Management. Participants use the data from their assessments to develop personalized action plans with goals and strategies to build their EQ skills.
- Virtual Monthly Training Modules: Classes are then held virtually each month, covering additional leadership development topics, including:
- Stress Management
- Handling Difficult People and Conversations
- Authentic Leadership
- Communication Skills
- Leadership Effectiveness
- Conflict Resolution
- Active Listening
- Building Sustained Relationships
- Retesting: Participants take the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal® Retest after 6ā8 months to evaluate their progress and adjust their development plans.
- Routine Check Ins:Ā Even after the program ends, participants engage in one-on-one check-ins with leadership, including Dr. Harris, to discuss progress and challenges and ensure their new skills and learning are sustained.
Cohort sizes have ranged from 30 to 45 participants, and the program is designed not only to teach EQ skills but also to create a safe space for vulnerability, openness, and personal growth.
āOur participants really open up. The vulnerability shared during the sessions creates a powerful shift in the groupās dynamic, and people really engage with the material,ā Harris noted.
Results
The impact of the EQ program has already been felt across Vetcor:
- Increased Leadership Mobility: In just a few months, 5 to 10 participants from the initial cohorts have moved into new leadership roles.
- Improved Emotional Regulation and Communication: Dr. Harris has observed a noticeable decrease in frustration and an increase in productive conversations among participants.
- Sustained Impact: Unlike many training programs that fade after the final session, EQ skills continue to be applied in daily interactions.
- Personal Impact: Participants have shared how EQ training has positively influenced their personal livesāone even credited it with helping save their marriage.
āWeāre seeing people put what theyāre learning into actionāand thatās the most encouraging part,ā said Harris. āThis training isnāt something that fades; itās changing how they think, lead, and connect.ā
Looking Ahead
Vetcor views emotional intelligence as a long-term strategic investment. They have plans to continue the Emerging Leaders initiative annually, with the goal of tracking its impact over the next five years and beyond.
Even executive leadership has taken notice. The Chief People Officer, after attending the first in-person session as an observer, was so impressed that he attended every subsequent session.
āHeās been through countless leadership programs,ā said Harris. āBut after that first session, he said it was the best programāand Josh the best facilitatorāheād ever seen.ā
At Vetcor, emotional intelligence is more than a trainingāitās becoming a cornerstone of the culture. Through strategic leadership development and a commitment to human-centered growth, Vetcor is building a future where emotionally intelligent leadership drives retention, engagement, and success.
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