537. How to Let Someone Go (Without Burning Bridges)

Letting someone go is one of the hardest conversations you’ll ever have as a practice owner. No one starts a business excited about terminating team members. Yet if you’re in business long enough, there will come a time when despite your best recruitment efforts, onboarding, training and feedback, someone simply isn’t the right fit. When that happens, how you handle the conversation matters — not just for them, but for you, your culture and your leadership integrity. In this episode, I share a personal story about the only time I’ve ever been sacked — and how that experience shaped the way I believe leaders should handle termination conversations. I also walk you through my Decisive Release Framework , a structured yet flexible six-step approach designed to help you let someone go clearly, respectfully and without burning bridges. In this episode: [00:00] Why termination should never come as a surprise [01:50] The story of the only time I was sacked — and what it taught me [06:36] The two factors that determine how the relationship ends [07:33] Introducing the Decisive Release framework [09:04] The six-box structure for releasing someone respectfully [10:37] How to clearly and confidently communicate “it’s not working” [11:52] The three unspoken elements to prepare before the meeting [12:58] Managing emotional reactions (theirs and yours) [13:35] Legal compliance and protecting your practice Join the free Savvy Dentist Facebook Group Follow Dr Jesse Green on LinkedIn Visit Savvy Dentist website Mentioned in this episode: Savvy Dentist Team Training Bundle If your practice can’t run without you, it’s time for systems - not more theory. That’s why we created the Savvy Dentist Team Training Bundle - five powerful, system-driven programs including Front Desk All Stars, the Million Dollar Dentist, Practice Manager Masterclass, Advanced Treatment Coordinator Training, and High-Performance Hygiene. Each course delivers practical, step-by-step systems your team can use every day to build accountability and create a self-managing practice. Save $2,000 for a limited time — visit savvydentist.com/team-training. Team Training Bundle 2025

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537. How to Let Someone Go (Without Burning Bridges) is an episode from The Savvy Dentist by Dr Jesse Green.

This episode is 16:48 long.

This episode was published on Feb 24, 2026.

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