It Took Three Team Members Leaving — Before the Realisation Hit

On how leadership begins with awareness!

He was a skilled clinician. Technically strong, kind to patients, reliable. And the practice was running smoothly. Until, in the space of one quarter, three team members handed in their notice. A preventive assistant, a front desk coordinator, and a dental hygienist. Each with seemingly different reasons. But during the exit conversations, a clear pattern emerged. They didn’t feel seen. Or heard. There was no space to contribute ideas. No real dialogue. “He was there… but somehow not really present.”

The practice owner admitted honestly: “I was in my own bubble. I thought, if the schedule is full and the patients are happy, things must be going well.” But they weren’t — at least, not for the team. While he focused on care, the connection with his people slowly faded. It wasn’t out of bad intentions. Nor indifference. Just... lack of attention.

And attention is everything

Especially in a care team, where collaboration is built on trust, openness, and the feeling that you matter. Leadership is not an extra task alongside your clinical work. It is a craft. One that takes practice, reflection — and sometimes a hard look in the mirror.

What if those three colleagues had stayed

What if someone had truly listened sooner? If there had been space for their voices, their needs, their growth? Looking back, he said: “I thought I was being clear. But I wasn’t speaking their language — and I hadn’t taken the time to tune in properly.”

I invited them all to the table. And one by one, they shared how they had been facing the same issues for quite some time. The common thread wasn’t a lack of loyalty — as the owner had assumed — but a build-up of frustration. They had kept going for years despite feeling unseen. The owner was rarely present on the days they worked, and often unreachable. His first reaction: “That’s nonsense — I always say they can come to me with anything.” But that puts the responsibility on them. Shouldn’t it really be with you?

Leadership begins with being truly present

Not just physically, but mentally. Emotionally. In real connection — outside the clinical bubble. And it means making decisions deliberately, not ad hoc.

So how do you make sure your team feels seen?

Do you take time to really listen? And how do you manage that when there’s no time?

Or are you simply too caught up in the daily demands? I’d love to hear how you experience this. Feel free to share your story below or send me a message — maybe you’ll find it’s more common than you think. I can help you with insights, tools, and years of experience to set a clear course that brings lightness to your team. Not only to prevent people from leaving — but to strengthen the quality, connection, and growth within your team. And yes, you’ll free up time for yourself too.