We have a team of 7 people (incl myself and my husband) at our vet clinic. Until recently, everyone has worked terrific together as a team. The work environment has been wonderful. Recently, we were shocked when our youngest team member told me that our team is no longer getting along, people are mad at each other, and that it’s starting to be a dreaded place to come to work. We have not noticed a problem and we’re unsure where the problem is coming from. Is this young person (whose own performance has gone down) the only one with a problem? How do we determine if/what the problem really is? We don’t want anyone of our small team to think we’re pointing fingers or placing blame, but we do need to get to the bottom of this issue. Suggestions?

The Team Doc Says…

First, you need to start noticing what is happening with the people in your business. Then you need to take action and you need to do it now. There is something happening in your clinic that could pose a real risk to your business. Be glad this person had enough trust in you to give you a heads up about something going on.

This young person’s performance has probably deteriorated because she(?) dreads coming to work. When people are not engaged in their work, it shows. Big time.

Start paying attention to the interactions between the people on your team. What do you see happening? Are they snippy to each other? Do they avoid talking? You need to identify the behaviors you are seeing in your staff. Then you need to talk with each one of them about what you saw and ask them why it happened. Next define what is acceptable behavior and get their commitment to behave differently. If the behavior doesn’t change, you may have to let someone go. Be prepared to do that. It isn’t pretty, but keeping a toxic team member on your team will wreak more havoc than your business can afford.

Doing these things is not pointing fingers. This is being the boss. And sometimes you just have to do that.

What do you think reader? Provide your thoughts by leaving a comment.