SUMMARY

In this episode of We Called This Work, hosts Dr. Travis Cripps and Dr. Luke Steele discuss the challenges and insights of running a small business, particularly in the dental field. They explore the complexities of hiring and firing employees, the emotional toll of turnover, and the importance of finding the right fit for their teams. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and family life, emphasizing the need for flexibility and understanding in today's work environment. In this episode, Lucas Steele and Travis Cripps discuss the complexities of managing a growing dental practice, including the challenges of team dynamics, the emotional toll of firing employees, and the importance of learning from other industries. They emphasize the need for compassion in management and the reality of business ownership, highlighting that success in dentistry is not just about clinical skills but also about effective business practices.

TAKEAWAYS

• The podcast aims to bring value to rural communities.
• Firing employees is one of the most challenging aspects of business ownership.
• Hiring fast and firing faster can be an effective strategy.
• Job hopping is a red flag in potential hires.
• It's important to look for humility, hunger, and intelligence in candidates.
• The first 90 days are crucial for new hires to impress.
• Employee turnover can feel like a personal failure for business owners.
• Clarity in expectations is essential to avoid misunderstandings.
• Balancing work and family life is increasingly important for employees.
• Creating a supportive work environment can lead to better employee performance. Navigating growth requires aligning and energizing the team.
• Firing employees is emotionally challenging and requires compassion.
• Documenting performance issues is crucial before termination.
• Emotional investment in employees affects management decisions.
• Learning from other industries can provide valuable insights for dental practices.
• Business ownership involves balancing clinical work with management responsibilities.
• Creating a positive work environment can enhance team morale.
• Understanding the emotional impact of firing on both parties is essential.
• Networking with other business owners can lead to new ideas and strategies.
• Success in dentistry is as much about business acumen as it is about clinical skills.

• Navigating the Challenges of Small Business Ownership
• The Art of Hiring and Firing in Dentistry
• Balancing Work and Family: A Modern Dilemma
• Insights from the Dental Practice: Hiring Strategies

• "It's not the funnest thing."
• "I hire fast. I fire faster."
• "Are they humble, hungry, and smart?"
• "I don't know if I like it."
• "Firing people is hard."
• "I take a lot of the blame."
• "You never do that one-on-one."
• "You have to rip the bandaid off."
• "We want to help you."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 2

02:30 Shifting Focus: Small Business Insights

03:28 The Challenges of Hiring and Firing

09:06 Finding the Right Fit: Hiring Strategies

11:26 The Emotional Toll of Turnover

15:04 Responsibility in Firing: Owner's Perspective

19:14 Balancing Work and Family Life

24:31 Navigating Growth and Team Dynamics

28:25 The Challenges of Firing Employees

32:56 Emotional Investment in Team Management

36:58 Learning from Other Industries

42:45 The Reality of Business Ownership