Welcome to Dental Practice Optimization!

Trivia Question❓

What percentage of employees say they have left a job because of a bad manager, according to multiple workplace surveys?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Toxic Team Members...When to Coach and When to Let Go

Every practice aims to build a strong, positive team, but occasionally a team member disrupts that environment. Toxic behavior can show up in many ways, including negativity, poor communication, resistance to teamwork, gossip, or a lack of accountability. Knowing when to coach and when to let go is essential for maintaining a healthy practice. Addressing problems early helps prevent small issues from becoming larger challenges that affect the entire team.

Coaching should almost always be the first step. Sometimes performance or attitude issues stem from misunderstandings, unclear expectations, inadequate training, or stress outside of work. Having an honest, respectful conversation allows you to identify the root cause while giving the employee an opportunity to improve. Clear expectations, measurable goals, and regular follow-up create a fair path toward positive change.

Accountability is what determines whether coaching is successful. Improvement requires more than acknowledging a problem. It requires consistent action over time. Team members who accept feedback, make adjustments, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to growth often become stronger contributors. Leaders should recognize and encourage that progress while continuing to reinforce expectations.

There are times, however, when coaching is no longer enough. If negative behavior continues despite repeated conversations, begins affecting team morale, or impacts the patient experience, it may be time to make a difficult decision. Allowing toxic behavior to continue sends the message that standards are optional, which can frustrate high-performing employees and weaken trust in leadership.

Protecting the culture of your practice is one of your most important responsibilities. A positive work environment improves collaboration, employee satisfaction, and the quality of patient care. Every hiring and personnel decision either strengthens or weakens that culture.

Letting someone go is never easy, but it is sometimes the best decision for the health of the practice. Strong cultures are built not only by hiring talented people but also by consistently upholding the values, expectations, and behaviors that allow the entire team to succeed.

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Around 50%.

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