127: The Biggest Vision Mistakes Practice Owners Make (And How To Fix Them)

Most practice owners think they have a vision. A sentence written years ago. A vague idea. A gut feeling. But a real vision, one that energises your team and shapes culture, is something very different.

In this episode, Oliver and I break down the most common mistakes owners make when creating their vision – why many end up with fluffy statements that change nothing, why some practices have no vision at all, and why the work isn’t finished once the document is written and alive.

We explore how to structure a vision that actually works, how purpose, mission, and values fit together, and the simple tests that tell you whether yours is fit for purpose. You’ll learn why authenticity matters more than polish and how a living, breathing vision becomes rocket fuel for recruitment, retention, culture, and long term sustainability.

The medicine gets you started. The vision takes you somewhere worth going. Remarkable practices are built by leaders who choose the path with purpose.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – Why vision matters

[01:07] – The danger of having no vision

[02:14] – Vision as your X factor

[06:49] – When structure goes wrong

[07:51] – Why “vision, mission, values” fall short

[09:46] – The purpose–mission–values model

[11:54] – Vision is only useful if you use it

[13:19] – The cost of abdication

[15:32] – Why vets avoid vision work

[18:00] – People, culture and sustainability

[20:40] – The goosebumps and butterflies test

[22:23] – Writing the unfiltered truth

[23:52] – Turning vision into leadership fuel

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Need help with your vision? Book a chat with Oliver at the Veterinary Leadership Academy and we’ll help you assess where you are and where you’re going.
• Download the Leadership Actions Study – practical steps to help you lead with clarity today.
• Explore our leadership courses – build the skills to create a culture your team loves being part of.
• Follow Dr Dave Nicol for daily leadership insights and practical tools for running a thriving veterinary practice.

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