When a storm rolls over the Rocky Mountains, buffalo charge into it, not away. Why? Because they know that by facing it head-on, they’ll get through it faster. Cattle, on the other hand, run from the storm, and as a result, stay in it much longer. This analogy, shared by one of our rockstar clients in New York, perfectly reflects the way strong dental leaders handle an uncomfortable conversation. They don’t avoid them. They go into the storm.

Why Avoiding an Uncomfortable Conversation Hurts Your Practice

Avoiding an uncomfortable conversation, whether about hygiene performance, front office misalignment, or toxic team dynamics, doesn’t make the issue disappear. It prolongs the pain.

Instead of achieving flow and clarity, your practice ends up stuck in artificial harmony, where things look “fine” on the surface but resentment brews underneath.

True leadership is built on:

Trust and vulnerability
Healthy debate
Commitment and clarity
Peer-to-peer accountability
A results-focused culture

If you’re not fostering this progression, you’re likely stuck in avoidance cycles that lead to burnout, turnover, and frustration.

The 3-Step Process to “Go Into the Storm”

1. Prepare with Facts and Intent

Avoid opinions or vague accusations. Come to the conversation with:

Data and KPIs (e.g., hygiene not hitting 3x pay)
Specific examples and timeframes
A clear goal: solve the issue, not shame the person

Set the intention to understand and improve, not attack.

2. Communicate Clearly and With Curiosity

Lead with phrases like:

“Help me understand…”
“I’ve noticed…”
“Let’s look at this together.”

Use firm but empathetic language. Address the behavior, not the person.

Example:

“Our data shows we’re not hitting 3x pay consistently. Can you help me understand what’s happening on your end so we can fix it together?”

3. Create Accountability and Follow-Up

End every conversation with:

Clear commitments from both sides
Recap emails outlining what was said and decided
Scheduled check-ins to ensure resolution

Bonus: Ask them to reflect back what they heard to confirm understanding and minimize miscommunication.

When You Avoid the Storm, You Stay in the Storm

Teams that avoid confrontation get stuck in drama, confusion, and underperformance. Leaders who go into the storm consistently:

Build trust
Solve issues faster
Boost profitability and culture

One office manager recently told me:

“I never realized how many conversations I was avoiding until we started using this. Now I go into the storm more, and it’s actually less stressful.”

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect, Just Courageous

Even if it’s awkward at first, these conversations can be practiced. Use your leadership team as a safe space. Have your team give you feedback. Say:

“I’m practicing this skill. Let me know how it landed so I can improve.”

The Dental A Team coaches practices across the country to master this skill. We role-play it. We teach leadership teams how to do it. We build it into your culture, so conflict becomes connection.

Ready to Lead With Courage?

If there’s a conversation you’re avoiding, take this as your sign to go into the storm.

Need our guidance? Schedule A Free Call today!

For more tips, check out our podcast.

Last updated: August 2025
Written by Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team

Lead with Courage During an Uncomfortable Conversation