Working Together on Better Welfare

Sometimes giving feedback is easy, other times, not so much. We can develop relationships that involve regular discussions about the positives and negatives of our work situations. Building those relationships takes time and knowing that there are shared goals in mind. As we have grown our team of SPA volunteers, there has been an emphasis on developing as individuals in how we conduct difficult conversations with workshops like Crucial Conversations and Clifton Strengths. These frameworks help us to help shelters by addressing needs and helping to identify areas of improvement without influencing with authority. In any shelter environment, discussions around work flow, goals and mindset can be difficult. Our development is designed to better assist organizations to provide better welfare, and often that starts with addressing the needs of the people.

Most people, no matter their job description, want the same thing; better welfare for the community and animals, no matter how long they’re with you. Gaining emotional intelligence helps individuals to both lean into what they do well and identify areas of improvement. Working in shelters provides a very unique situation where the high emotional stakes and fast paced environment can make it difficult to build trust when ideas, interpretations and goals may differ even slightly. Regular communication that is productive takes work and being on the same page about the organization’s mission, goals and resources is paramount.  

Kennel staff, volunteers, animal control and vet techs work so hard day in and day out with a revolving door of animals whose needs they are in charge of meeting. This constant flow of animals means learning about a new individual, their preferences, nuances and presented risks in a stressful environment. These adjustments have to happen quickly and smoothly for both the safety and comfort of the people and animals. Their job is to work around all of those things while staying inside the parameters set from above. When feedback can run both ways, such as from leadership to staff and vice versa, a working relationship can be fostered and grow into something very special. While organizational change happens slowly, the individual workers need to be able to shift on a dime; this contrast can be difficult to balance.

It takes great care to foster the relationship between leadership and the rest of the staff. Everyone has a job and ultimately, the animals benefit the most when everyone’s gears fit together like a well oiled machine. Sometimes this means rethinking how certain things are done and other times, it means revamping entire departments or creating entirely new programs. Whatever the challenge is, SPA is here to see you through it! We bring a wide range of experience, education and excitement to the organizations we collaborate with. There are innumerable ways to do one task and  we can help you decide which is the best way for you, your staff and your animals given the resources available. We can also help you write it down and standardize your practices to continue the growth and efficiency in the care of the animals you are responsible for. Reach out to us for consulting help with developing programs, staff training and creating SOPs that align with your organization's mission and goals. We are here to help you provide the most for your animals.