North Texas Dentistry Volume 9 Issue 6 2019 ISSUE 6 DE | Page 23

How do we solve the problem of toxic employees?
It is important not to ignore the problem. Like an overturned
cup of water, the negative impact of toxic employees spreads
until we put a towel on top of their messes. We cannot ignore
the spreading mess. Just as the spilled water damages the floor
and can cause someone to fall, a toxic employee has the potential
to wound others and rot out the good aspects of the practice. As
you attempt to solve the toxic employee’s mess, use it as an
opportunity to positively impact her life. She may not be self
aware, and this could be an enlightening process for her.
Think about her in the process as well as your practice and team. Meet with
the employee to have an honest conversation.
Share the things that you appreciate about her as well as the things that need
to change.
Be very specific with the expected changes and set a timeline to revisit these
items to ensure that the toxic employee is actively working to improve.
Clearly show your support in the change process. Encourage her when you
see the positive changes.
Provide seminars, books, articles, and quotes that may spur her along in her
change journey.
Be consistent. Follow up with her according to the timeline that you set and
follow through on consequences if she does not improve.
Document your conversations and store these in her employee file.
Finally, if your efforts to improve the toxic employee do not
work, always be prepared to replace her. Have good job descrip-
tions in place, clear systems, and always be collecting resumes.
Terminating an employee can be one of the more stressful
aspects of owning a practice so surround yourself with good sup-
port if you must walk through the process. While the road lead-
ing up to the termination is agonizing, it is a guarantee that you
and your team will feel immediate relief once it is over and the
toxic employee is gone.
If you are having trouble spotting your toxic employee or are
struggling to clean up her mess, feel free to reach out to us at
hellobethany.com.
Bethany Petty is a practice management
consultant that breaks the mold. In an effort
to remove herself from the abrasive con-
sultant persona, Bethany spent time receiv-
ing Masters degrees in Adult Education and
in Health Communication, which enables
her to present information in a way that
dentists and team members understand
and appreciate. Her unique approach cus-
tomizes her suggestions and training to fit
the personality and goals of the practice. Rather than approaching
each practice with the same “Fix-It Guide,” she evaluates the practice,
talks with team members, and listens to the dentist before making any
suggestions. Bethany has a legacy of dental professionals in her fam-
ily, and she has had the privilege of helping her father to build, manage,
and maintain a successful family practice. With the heart to serve den-
tists, she has made a difference in practices all over the DFW Metro-
plex. For more information, visit www.hellobethany.com.
“Seek advice now…
while your practice
is at its peak!”
www.northtexasdentistry.com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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