Veterinary teams are resilient—but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to stress. When a team member withdraws, shuts down, or seems on edge, it’s easy to label it as attitude. But what if we saw it for what it really is: a signal?
At VSS, we believe great leadership isn’t about fixing emotions or rescuing teammates. It’s about creating conditions where people can show up, stay engaged, and recover from stress safely. That’s why we begin our Sustain Our Strength (SOS) Solut!ons Program with trauma-informed leadership.
What Is Trauma-Informed Leadership?
Trauma-informed leadership recognizes that people carry visible and invisible stressors into the workplace. It doesn’t mean we lower expectations or play therapist—it means we lead with:
- Clarity
- Stability
- Consistency
- Compassion
This model draws inspiration from trauma-informed care principles developed by SAMHSA and adapted for leadership across healthcare and human services. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with them?” trauma-informed leaders ask: “What structure, support, or communication would help this person succeed?”
Why It Matters in Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary professionals operate under constant emotional and operational pressure. Add in ethical stress, long hours, and client expectations—and it’s easy to see why burnout is rising across the industry.
When leaders use trauma-informed practices, they:
- Prevent emotional overload from spiraling into disengagement
- Build team trust and communication
- Improve daily operations by supporting sustainable behavior
These leadership behaviors directly impact the six dimensions measured by the SOS Burnout & Resilience Index (SBRI), especially:
- Leadership & Psychological Safety
- Occupational Fatigue
- Support & Team Cohesion
- Compassion Satisfaction
- Workload Manageability
- Financial Stress & Stability
The 6 Pillars of Trauma-Informed Leadership
At VSS, we teach trauma-informed leadership through six practical, observable pillars:
- Safety – Creating predictable environments where team members know what to expect
- Trust & Transparency – Communicating the “why” behind decisions and following through consistently
- Peer Support – Encouraging collaboration and emotional check-ins
- Collaboration & Mutuality – Sharing power and involving team voices in problem-solving
- Empowerment, Voice & Choice – Recognizing strengths, inviting input, and offering appropriate autonomy
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity – Leading with awareness, respect, and inclusive practices
These are not abstract values. They’re leadership behaviors that can be learned and practiced—even during a 10-minute huddle.
What It Looks Like in Action
Let’s say a technician begins missing morning huddles and seems withdrawn.
A trauma-informed leader might:
- Use clear, nonjudgmental observation to open a conversation: “I’ve noticed you haven’t been at the last few huddles, and I wanted to check in. Is there something getting in the way of you being there consistently?”
- Reaffirm the importance of the expectation: “Huddles are how we start the day aligned and connected. It’s essential that everyone is present so the team can function smoothly.”
- Invite collaborative problem-solving if needed: “Let’s talk through anything that might be interfering with that so we can get ahead of it.”
This approach keeps expectations intact while sending a clear message: I see what’s happening. I expect follow-through. And I’m here to support your success.
Why This Matters Now
Burnout is not just a personal issue—it’s a systems issue. And leadership is one of the strongest levers we have to change the system.
When veterinary leaders embody trauma-informed principles, they help their teams:
- Feel seen and supported
- Stay connected to their purpose
- Recover faster from stress
- Perform more sustainably
You don’t have to be a therapist. You just have to lead with clarity, curiosity, and care.
Ready to Lead Differently?
Our SOS Solut!ons Program is built to help you apply these principles in real time. We don’t just talk theory—we help veterinary leaders turn insight into behavior.
Module 1 focuses on trauma-informed leadership. Later sessions explore psychological safety, workload, resilience, and financial wellbeing.
Because burnout isn’t fixed in one moment. But with the right leadership practices, it can be prevented over time.
Want to learn more or bring the Sustain Our Strength Solut!ons Program to your hospital?
Let’s talk. Prevent Veterinary Burnout with Our SOS Solut!ons | VSS