Summary:
Tolerating one toxic high performer can quietly damage an entire team.
In this episode, host Dr. Renee Thompson discusses how leaders can effectively address bullying and incivility from clinically competent but disruptive employees. She explains why vague expectations allow bad behavior to persist and how clearly defined behavioral standards create accountability. Drawing on the “love ’em, but leave ’em” approach, Dr. Thompson outlines how to hold difficult but respectful conversations that balance truth with grace. She emphasizes that professionalism and kindness are as essential to patient outcomes as technical skill, and must be treated as non-negotiable.
Tune in to learn practical strategies for protecting culture, restoring psychological safety, and leading with clarity and courage.
About Dr. Renee Thompson:
Dr. Renee Thompson is a leading authority on creating healthy work cultures by eliminating bullying and incivility in healthcare. With more than 31 years of experience as a clinical nurse, educator, quality manager, and executive leader, she has become one of the most sought-after experts on workplace culture. As CEO and Founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute, Renee works with healthcare organizations around the world to equip leaders with the tools they need to cultivate professional, respectful, and supportive teams.
Renee is a published author, award-winning speaker, and one of only 30 nurses worldwide to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. She also serves on The Joint Commission’s Workplace Violence Technical Advisory Panel and has been recognized globally for her thought leadership and advocacy.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
- Workplace bullying and incivility have a measurable negative impact on employee engagement, retention, well-being, and patient outcomes.
- Clinically competent employees must still be held accountable for professional behavior, technical skill alone does not excuse disrespectful conduct.
- Leaders must set clear, specific behavioral expectations and involve the team in defining what is acceptable and unacceptable.
- Honest, respectful conversations that balance truth with grace are essential for addressing disruptive behavior while maintaining dignity.
- The “love ’em, but leave ’em” approach allows leaders to care for employees while being willing to remove those who consistently violate behavioral standards, protecting team culture and psychological safety.
Links & Resources:
- Connect with and follow Dr. Renee Thompson on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about the Healthy Workforce Institute on their LinkedIn and website.
- Check out the 33 Scripts Guide to Address Disruptive Behaviour here!
- Buy Renee Thompson’s book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility here!
- Grab a copy of Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! here.
- Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!
Have a question for Renee?
Email us at [email protected] to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!
Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.
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