
We’re diving into a topic many practice managers quietly struggle with—what happens when your team feels more like friends than employees? Dana and Sandy tackle a heartfelt listener question: “How do I manage a team I’ve been friends with for years?”
Whether you were promoted from within, or made the mistake of hiring a friend, this episode will help you maintain professionalism without sacrificing connection. You’ll learn how to:
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Lead with warmth while keeping your edge
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Set clear boundaries and expectations
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Avoid favoritism and cliques
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Stay approachable without losing authority
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Create protocols that do the talking for you
?? Listener shoutout: Thank you, Heather, for bravely sharing your story and inspiring this important conversation.
Key takeaways:
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Consistency over comfort builds trust.
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Keep friend chat and leadership decisions separate.
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Use writing to reduce drama and maintain accountability.
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If you hire a friend, be prepared to lead like a boss—not a buddy.
?? Special thanks to our sponsors:
?? Plan Forward – Simplify and grow your dental membership plans with ease. Learn more at planforward.io
?? Identity Dental Marketing – The industry’s go-to for branding, SEO, and growth. Discover how they can elevate your practice at identitydental.com
?? Mango Voice – Smart, reliable phone systems designed for dental practices. Learn more at mangovoice.com
?? Join the conversation!
Ask your question or suggest a topic in the Dental Drill Bits Facebook Group — your comment could be featured on a future episode!