Exceptional Dental Practice Management: Pot Stirrers Not Welcome

There is nothing more detrimental to a happy work environment than a pot stirrer.  You know, the kind of employee that makes little digs intended to start some drama.  Once the trouble starts, she is the first one running around trying to see how everyone feels about it.  In the event that she is confronted, she will cry to the boss about how mean everyone is to her when she only wants to help.
    I've seen more workplaces ruined by this kind of behavior.  Even the happiest, healthiest office can not survive intact if this is tolerated.  The best employees will either leave or become frustrated and resentful.  The tension will destroy the culture of the practice and the reverberations will be felt by anyone walking in the door.  Faces that were once open and pleasant will become stressed and drawn.  Laughter will turn into exasperated sighs.  Harmony will melt into discord.
    Employees should  be urged to confront this behavior and let the pot stirrer know that their antics are not appreciated and will not be entertained.  They should understand their responsibility for maintaining the healthy relationships and should not be drawn into this drama inciting behavior.
    Managers and dentists have a responsibility to the team and patients to recognize a pot stirrer for who they are and the damage they are capable of.  The only response to this behavior is a serious confrontation with the promise of dismissal if the behavior continues.  Pot stirrers tend to be manipulators and can turn the situation every which way to try to continue their behavior as well as their employment.  For the sake of the team and the health of the practice it is imperative to recognize the behavior, confront it and follow through with dismissal if it continues.  Anything less is detrimental to the team, the patients and ultimately the health of the practice. 

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