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EP 82:

EP 82: Can They Change? Handling the Toughest Behaviors on Your Team

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Q&A Episode

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In This Episode

Some workplace behaviors are annoying but fixable. Others? Downright dangerous – and possibly unchangeable. In this Q&A episode, Dr. Renee Thompson tackles three real-world scenarios submitted by nurse leaders across the country:

  • A charge nurse whose competence is overshadowed by recurring emotional outbursts.
  • A team member who falsifies reports, raising red flags about character.
  • A territorial nurse marking equipment as her own—and even throwing water at a coworker!

How do you know whether someone’s behavior can be coached… or whether it’s time to performance-manage them out? Renee breaks down the difference between skill gaps and character flaws, and gives leaders the language to hold their teams accountable with professionalism and compassion.

If you’re dealing with a disruptive team member, this episode will give you practical tools – and the permission – to protect your team and your culture.

What You'll Learn
  • The 2-lens approach to evaluating disruptive behavior: capability vs. willingness
  • How to respond when coaching isn’t enough
  • Why asking, “Can they be trained – or is this a character flaw?” is crucial
  • What to say to a territorial nurse hoarding supplies or claiming space
  • The power of setting expectations through curiosity, not confrontation
  • Why confronting even “untouchable” behavior still matters
  • Resources
Links & Resources

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EP 48: Building Strong Teams Through Lateral Agility In Leadership

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