Cultivating Confidence: Small Gestures, Big Impact

Confidence looks different in every new grad. Some stride into the exam room ready to connect. Others seem hesitant, even though they know their stuff inside and out. And sometimes, the vets who sound perfectly self-assured on the phone feel shaky when there’s a client sitting three feet away.

As a mentor or practice owner, one of the most powerful things you can do is slow down, observe, and start with curiosity.

Start with a Conversation

Before jumping in with advice or adjustments, check in gently:

“I’ve noticed you seem more at ease on the phone than in person—how do you feel about your confidence in the exam room?”

That one question opens a door. Maybe she actually feels confident but hasn’t found her rhythm yet. Maybe she’s genuinely unsure and doesn’t know how to say it. Either way, you’re signaling that you see her, that you care, and that you want to understand her experience before trying to fix it.

Give Her Words to Borrow

Confidence often grows through language — and sometimes, all a new grad needs is a few phrases to bridge that gap between “I’m still thinking” and “I sound confident.”

Try sharing some go-to lines she can make her own, like:

“I’m going to step out for a moment to organize my thoughts and make sure I’ve covered all the best options for Fluffy. I’ll be right back to go over everything with you—does that sound okay?”
“From what you’re sharing, I think I know what’s going on, but I’d love to bounce this off a colleague who recently went to a talk on this topic—would that be okay?”
“I’m not exactly sure which direction we’ll take yet, but I have a good sense of what our next best steps are. Let’s talk through those together.”

These simple statements communicate thoughtfulness and professionalism, even when she’s still sorting out her plan. Have her practice saying them aloud. The first few times might feel awkward, but repetition builds comfort and authenticity.

Shift from Presentation to Conversation

Many new grads slip into “presentation mode,” trying to sound perfectly polished rather than genuinely connected. Encouraging open-ended questions can change the whole dynamic.

Instead of rushing through an explanation, she might ask:

“What changes have you noticed at home?”
“What’s been hardest about this for you?”
“How has Fluffy been doing between visits?”

When she shifts the focus from performance to partnership, the visit feels more natural, and confidence starts to follow connection.

Endorsement Is Everything

One of the most powerful confidence boosts doesn’t come from coaching at all — it comes from public endorsement.

When I was a new grad, my mentor used to pop into my exam room just to say:

“Hi Mrs. Smith! I’m so glad you’re seeing Dr. Rabwin today! She’s incredible. I handpicked her myself and she knows she can always ask me anything if she needs.”

It took 15 seconds. But in that moment, he transferred trust from himself to me. The client relaxed. I relaxed. And everyone watching learned something about how our team supports each other.

You can do the same. A quick introduction, a word of praise, even mentioning your new grad to clients during your appointments — all of it builds confidence and connection across the board.

Create Safe Spaces for Growth

Confidence grows when new grads feel supported and understood. One of the best ways to do this is by asking a few thoughtful, open-ended questions:

“What part of the client interaction feels hardest for you?”
“Are there moments where you feel unsure about what to say or do?”
“Do you ever feel nervous when I’m in the room with you?”
“Is there anything that would help you feel more relaxed or supported when I’m observing?”

💡 Mentorship Tip: Record Visits for Reflection
Sometimes having a supervisor in the room adds extra pressure. Recording a few appointments (with client consent, of course!) lets your new grad practice without the immediate stress of an observer.

Use a small, unobtrusive camera.
Review the visit together afterward.
Highlight moments they handled well and offer constructive feedback.

This approach builds confidence, encourages self-reflection, and creates a safe space for growth—all without interrupting the client experience.

Inviting your new grad to reflect with questions like these not only helps you understand their perspective, but also models a culture of trust, growth, and open communication.

Confidence Follows Action, Not the Other Way Around

One of the biggest misconceptions in mentorship (and one I’ll admit I had for quite a long time) is that confidence must come before action. We don’t wait until a new grad feels confident before their first gastrotomy, first difficult conversation, or first big decision — because that moment would never come. Confidence is built after doing the thing, reflecting on it, and realizing: I survived that. I learned something. I wasn’t alone. What gives new grads the courage to take that first step isn’t always confidence — it’s knowing they have the knowledge and training, and someone has their back. When they trust that support is there, they’re willing to take appropriate risks, stretch into discomfort, and grow. The confidence comes later, earned through experience and reinforced by mentorship.

Boost Confidence Through Collaboration

Confidence grows faster when new grads see that their ideas matter.

Ask her how she’d handle one of your cases — and then actually follow her advice, even (especially!) if it’s a little different from your usual approach. That simple act elevates her in the eyes of the team and reinforces that her training and judgment are valued.

You can also flip the dynamic. Ask, “Is this still how you were taught to do it, or is there a new approach now?” This not only validates her perspective but also keeps you learning. Mutual curiosity models humility and continuous growth — two of the best confidence builders there are.

Lean on the Mentorship Network

Finally, remind your new grad that she’s not alone. If she’s part of the Ready, Vet, Go mentorship program, her pack meetings and mentor check-ins are built for exactly this kind of support. Sometimes it’s easier to talk about self-doubt with someone outside the clinic, and those conversations often spark strategies she can bring back into daily practice.

Final Thought

Confidence isn’t something we can hand over, but it is something we can nurture and uncover.

Every small gesture, every check-in, every phrase shared, every public endorsement, every “Hey, what do you think?” sends the message: You belong here.

And sometimes, that’s all it takes for a new vet to start believing it too.

Ready for more practical early career advice? Ready, Vet, Go Veterinary Mentorship is an innovative online program and community that helps new and early career veterinarians build confidence, gain independence, and experience greater joy. Visit our FAQ page to learn more about what we offer or get in touch with our team.