President’s message: Are you doing “More with Less” or “More with More”? (Sep ’18)

Sometimes we lament that the competitive nature of business forces us to do “more with less.” Be honest, how often does this thought cross your mind? There is no doubt that swine production and the supporting veterinary service has become more efficient. In that way, we are doing more with less.

This month, I want to offer a different view. I submit we are doing “more with more.” This idea stems from my own recent personal reflections on scarcity and abundance. The scarcity mentality can be defined as the belief that everything is limited, and thus it is better to be selfish than generous. It is a cynical term by nature and, as author Stephen F. Covey says, it’s based around the idea that there is not enough of the pie to go around. In contrast, individuals with an abundance mentality can celebrate the success of others rather than be threatened by it. The abundance mentality is believed to arrive from having high self-worth and security, and leads to the sharing of profits, recognition, and responsibility.

What are some ways swine veterinarians do more with more? Clearly, technology is an area where we have more resources and capabilities than ever before. For example, I recently did a surgical procedure on an animal in the field without ever having done it before. I assessed the patient, then quickly referenced “Dr Google” and “Dr YouTube” on my iPhone to determine some options for treatment. I texted a veterinary colleague and called a producer I trusted on their mobile phone to get their input on the situation. After that, I consulted with the client and we agreed on the treatment and conducted the procedure. In the past, this same degree of resource investigation would have required a trip back to the office to consult with textbooks and people via a landline telephone.

In this same example, a high level of trust between the client and myself allowed us to accomplish more with more. More trust results in less inefficiency in our interpersonal relationships. Because I was comfortable in sharing that I had never done the procedure, I was able to quickly consult with all the resources I had available in front of the client and determine the best course of action. Being transparent and vulnerable at the same time led to greater trust by the client and quicker intervention for the patient.

From an analytical perspective, the ever-increasing capability of information databases allows us to make better and faster decisions about the health and wellbeing of the pigs in our care. Sure, it’s not easy all the time. Nor was it in the past. There is no doubt we have more knowledge and tools today than we have ever had before. The outcome is more accurate and effective decisions about health interventions.

In the arena of marketing and communications, the use of social media is a great example of doing more with more. Recently, we started using Facebook ads to promote our practice. For pennies, we are getting more exposure to clients than ever possible before. It’s very easy to see how traditional radio and print advertising is at a tremendous competitive disadvantage.

I encourage you to think about how you are doing more with more instead of more with less. It will change your perspective and if your experience is anything like mine, it will change your attitude as well. Here are 10 ways you can foster your abundance mentality:

1. Become aware of your thoughts
2. Practice gratitude
3. Recognize the unlimited possibilities
4. Cultivate and share your passions and purpose
5. Develop mastery experiences
6. Watch what you say
7. Concentrate on personal growth
8. Maintain an attitude of openness and enthusiasm; Think like a beginner
9. Focus on what is going right
10. Make a list of positive affirmations

How are you doing more with more? Share your story on social media using #AASVmorewithmore. I’ll be looking for your insights! 

C. Scanlon Daniels, DVM
AASV President