EP. 158: How Healthcare Leaders Can Stop Bullying and Incivility at Work

Bullying and incivility cannot be solved by silence, one-time training, or expecting employees to manage disruptive behavior on their own.

In this solo episode, Dr. Renee Thompson shares practical best practices healthcare leaders can use during Bullying Prevention Month and beyond. She explains why organizations must stop normalizing bad behavior, create regular opportunities to discuss workplace culture, and intervene when overt behavior occurs. Renee also offers scripts for responding without becoming defensive, addressing concerns leaders did not personally witness, and keeping difficult conversations focused. She closes by explaining why lasting culture change requires a system-wide approach that strengthens the organization, equips leaders, and empowers every team member.

Tune in to learn how to address bullying and incivility with confidence and create a healthier, more respectful work culture!

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 worldwide 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:

• Disruptive behavior becomes normalized when leaders and team members excuse it, work around it, or avoid addressing it directly.

• A standing agenda item for a healthy workforce creates a safe, consistent space to address gossip, triangulation, incivility, and other workplace behaviors.

• Clear visual and verbal “timeouts” allow leaders to interrupt overt disruptive behavior in the moment and address the details privately afterward.

• Curiosity and focused questions help leaders respond productively when employees raise concerns, rather than becoming defensive or trying to solve everything immediately.

• Naming reported behavior, acknowledging that it could be true, and staying focused help leaders address concerning behavior they did not personally witness.

• Sustainable culture change requires HR involvement, equipped leaders, and an interprofessional team-wide commitment to respect and accountability, not just a workshop.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. Renee Thompson on LinkedIn.

• Learn more about the Healthy Workforce Institute on their LinkedIn and website.

• Sign up to receive the Healthy Workforce Framework™ Toolkit here.

• Learn more about the Framework here.

• Link the 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior here.

• Link to Renee’s book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here.

• Link to Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here.

Need support addressing bullying and incivility?

Email Renee at renee@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to start a conversation about creating a healthier work culture.

Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.

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