Gossip at Work: The Hidden Cost of Chatter

Gossip at Work: The Hidden Cost of Chatter
Dental Drill Bits with Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury
Gossip at Work: The Hidden Cost of Chatter
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Episode Description
Gossip may seem like harmless chatter, but it has the power to
erode trust, damage morale, and derail productivity in your
dental practice. In this episode, Sandy and Dana tackle the tough
topic of workplace gossip—what it sounds like, why it spreads,
and how to stop it before it takes a toll on your culture and
your team.


From NLRB rules to real-life consulting stories, they share
practical ways to address negativity, encourage accountability,
and build a team that thrives on trust. Plus, Dana delivers
scripted verbal skills you can use right away to shut gossip down
respectfully and effectively.


Whether you're a practice owner, manager, or team member, this
episode will help you foster a workplace where professionalism
wins and gossip has no place.


In This Episode You’ll Learn:




Why “friendly chatter” sometimes crosses the line into legal
risk




What the National Labor Relations Board says about banning
gossip




How negativity spreads—and how to stop it at the source




Why some team members resist consulting and how to handle it




How to create a safe, gossip-free workspace with open doors
and clear roles




The real reason broken appointments and low morale go hand in
hand




Why clearly defined job descriptions reduce friction and
confusion




How to use team agreements and core values to unify your
staff




A leadership lesson from the book The Energy Bus by Jon
Gordon




Verbal skills to shut gossip down with professionalism




Why patients are paying attention to more than just your
dentistry




Bonus Resource:
Want a team-building moment at your next staff meeting? Look up
the poem “Nobody’s Friend” and read it aloud.
You might be surprised by the conversations it sparks.


Upcoming Event:
Front Desk Pro – Philadelphia
May 9, 2025
Use promo code SECRETSAUCE (capital S in Secret
and Sauce) to save $100 per person
Seats are limited and these events always sell out!


Thank You to Our Sponsors:


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review, and share this episode with a dental friend who’s ready
to build a drama-free, high-performing team.