# EP. 124: Love ’Em, But Leave ’Em: Handling Toxic Yet Competent Employees

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/coffee-break-breaking-the-cycle-of-bullying-in-healthcare-one-cup-at-a-time-6510917/ep-124-love-em-but-leave-em-handling-toxic-yet-competent-employees
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/coffee-break-breaking-the-cycle-of-bullying-in-healthcare-one-cup-at-a-time-6510917/ep-124-love-em-but-leave-em-handling-toxic-yet-competent-employees.md
Podcast: [Coffee Break: Breaking the Cycle of Bullying in Healthcare, One Cup at a Time](https://stenobird.com/podcast/coffee-break-breaking-the-cycle-of-bullying-in-healthcare-one-cup-at-a-time-6510917)
Published: 2026-02-11T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/DHT3461382509.mp3?updated=1773155464
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/DHT3461382509.mp3?updated=1773155464
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/coffee-break-breaking-the-cycle-of-bullying-in-healthcare-one-cup-at-a-time-6510917/episodes/ep-124-love-em-but-leave-em-handling-toxic-yet-competent-employees
Duration seconds: 1226

## Resource

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, w…

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