Coffee Break: Breaking the Cycle of Bullying in Healthcare, One Cup at a Time

EP 113: How to Address Bullying and Incivility: Key Lessons From Chapters 6–10 of Enough!


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In Part 2 of this two-part series, Dr. Renee Thompson continues exploring the updated edition of Enough! by focusing on Chapters 6–10. She breaks down practical strategies leaders can use to hold employees accountable, hardwire healthy cultural norms, strengthen communication, and weave kindness into daily practice. Renee also highlights new leadership skills needed in today’s workforce – including lateral agility, radical candor, multiverse communication, and becoming a leader-as-coach. 

This episode gives leaders clear, actionable steps to address disruptive behaviors and build a respectful, professional 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 around the world 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

  • Why accountability begins with a strong partnership between leaders and HR

  • How communicating your process builds trust and reassures employees

  • What effective documentation should include — and why it matters

  • Practical strategies to hardwire and sustain healthy cultural norms

  • The impact of initiatives like Sacred Spaces, Shift Success, Mother Bear, and Red Carpet Treatment

  • How kindness can serve as a powerful antidote to disruptive behaviors

  • Four leadership skills essential for today’s workforce: lateral agility, radical candor, multiverse communication, and leader-as-coach

  • How these chapters guide leaders to intervene early, prevent escalation, and create a respectful, professional workplace

    Links & Resources

    • Connect with and follow Dr. Renee Thompson on LinkedIn

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

    • Check out part one where Renee discusses chapters 1-5 here

    • Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say

    • Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and Amazon #1 Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders on Amazon  here! And on the website here

    • Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!

    • Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!

      Have a question for Renee?

      Email us at [email protected] to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!

      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.

      Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share with your colleagues. Your support helps us reach more healthcare leaders working to create better work environments.

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      Coffee Break: Breaking the Cycle of Bullying in Healthcare, One Cup at a TimeBy Healthy Workforce Institute

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