GuidesThe Ultimate Business Guide For Orthodontists

Chapter 9: Training, Team Growth & Firing Fast

The `Fire Fast` Rule – Removing Toxicity Quickly

The “Fire Fast” Rule – Removing Toxicity Quickly

No matter how strong your hiring process is, at some point, you’ll make a bad hire. The worst thing you can do is keep a toxic employee too long.

Why You Must Fire Fast:

  • Toxic employees poison office culture and lower morale.

  • Negative attitudes drive away good employees and make the work environment miserable.

  • Bad hires damage patient experience, leading to fewer referrals and negative reviews.

  • Signs It’s Time to Let Someone Go:

  • They consistently cause drama or create a negative work environment.

  • They resist feedback and refuse to improve.

  • They bring down team morale instead of lifting others up.

  • Patients complain about their attitude or service.

  • They are unreliable, dishonest, or consistently underperforming.

  • How to Fire Fast & Professionally:

  • Have Clear Documentation – Track performance issues and discussions in case HR issues arise.

  • Be Direct but Respectful – A quick, professional conversation is better than dragging out an uncomfortable situation.

  • Don’t Delay – The longer you wait, the more damage they can do to your team and patient experience.

  • Firing is never easy, but keeping the wrong person is always worse. A single toxic employee can undo years of hard work, so act quickly when necessary.