Doing the Right Things in the Wrong Order | Using Accountability to BUILD Trust (Ep. 49)

Drama is something that can derail any culture, and derailing culture is something that can derail any dental office. When we're able to take the principles of handling crucial conversations appropriately and maturely, then we are able to really focus on the most important things in front of us and move the needle towards our goals.In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Eggett shares a clip from a recent staff meeting at his dental office where they discussed how they were handling drama and some of the tools and tips they've used in order to reduce drama in their office over the course of the last year.If you are not currently recording your staff meetings, check out the app fireflies.ai for a handy tool that will make your life so much easier! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this milestone 50th episode—the first of 2026—Dr. Wes Eggett reflects on the journey of Leading in Dentistry, sharing how a lifelong interest in servant leadership and formative experiences in military dentistry led to the creation of the podcast. What began as a personal outlet for learning and reflection has grown into an ongoing conversation about influence, growth, and leadership at every level of a dental career, not just ownership.Wes also looks ahead to what’s next, including a season of greater balance, new speaking opportunities, and an upcoming transition into practice ownership. Throughout the episode, he reinforces a central belief of the podcast: dentistry is a powerful training ground for leadership, and when we focus on developing people—not just production—we create stronger teams, better outcomes, and more meaningful work.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this episode, Dr. Eggett dives into the struggles of his current leadership position and, using the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team and his own Accountability Check protocol, describes how to keep the pendulum from swinging back and forth between focusing on results and focusing on culture. How can holding people accountable actually BUILD trust? That's what we aim to answer in this episode.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this episode, Wes sits down with his brother-in-law, Mitch Rush, just after giving his 30-day notice at his first associateship out of dental school. The reason? Mitch has found the practice he's been looking for and is transitioning into practice ownership!Wes and Mitch talk about what led Mitch to this point, how he found the practice he's purchasing, and what things he's learned and will implement as the new leader of the practice.We're so excited for you Mitch! Go get 'em!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this episode, Dr. Spencer Greer discusses the importance of leadership in dental practices, emphasizing the role of the team in enhancing patient experience and production. He shares insights on building trust, accountability, and a positive work culture, while also addressing the challenges of onboarding new employees and maintaining team dynamics. The conversation highlights the significance of leading with goodness and the long-term vision for a successful practice.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this rebroadcasted episode of the podcast, Dr. Wes Eggett reviews the recent changes made to the disciplinary process in the office where he works. He also talks about the importance of having a disciplinary plan in place and how laying out what "being in trouble" looks like can actually make your employees feel more safe while in the workplace!References:Simon Sinek on Trusting TeamsMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this episode of the Leading in Dentistry Podcast, Dr. Wes Eggett shares a simple but powerful lesson inspired by his four-year-old daughter. Watching her put on pajamas inside out sparked the realization that many of us create clever workarounds that actually make life harder. From skipping instructions, to isolating ourselves, to clinging to outdated habits, we often make leadership and dentistry more complicated than it needs to be.Dr. Eggett explores three common ways we “do things the hard way” and connects them to practical leadership lessons for the dental office. Along the way, he challenges listeners to rethink how they approach training, teamwork, and systems in their practices. This episode is an invitation to stop working against yourself, simplify your approach, and set your team up for sustainable growth.- Episode on Making Changes to Processes - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336973/episodes/15029692Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this episode, Dr. Eggett unpacks the ongoing debate between goals and systems in leadership, drawing from his own high school wrestling experience to show how wanting to win isn’t enough without the daily habits and preparation to back it up. Through powerful quotes from thinkers like James Clear and Josh Waitzkin, he highlights the strengths and shortcomings of each approach — goals give direction and emotional fuel, while systems provide the structure that makes progress sustainable.Dr. Eggett then ties these insights directly to dentistry, exploring how practice leaders can balance setting clear, trackable goals with building reliable systems that drive consistent results. Drawing from the 4 Disciplines of Execution, he explains how lead measures act as the true systems that carry a team toward long-term success. Whether you’re looking to grow production, strengthen culture, or simply lead with more clarity, this episode offers practical perspective on how goals and systems work together to shape a leader’s lasting impact.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this episode, Dr. Eggett opens up about a difficult moment—an argument with a team member where he didn’t show up as his best self. It was uncomfortable, humbling, and ultimately transformational. That experience sent him on a deep dive into interpersonal communication, and what he discovered changed the way he leads. He shares three of the most impactful takeaways: the power of Labeling and Sorting thoughts before reacting, the importance of Closing the Loop to ensure true understanding, and the mindset shift of letting go of winning to build real trust. This episode is for anyone who’s ever said the wrong thing, felt misunderstood, or wants to grow after falling short.LINKSThe Look and Sound of Leadership Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-look-sound-of-leadership/id280383574Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ

In this rebroadcasted episode, Dr. Wes Eggett shares the BRAVING framework from Brene Brown as way to articulate the various aspects of trust. Dr. Eggett makes the case that dental team members and leaders can utilize this framework when trust has been broken to determine exactly what about the relationship caused the trust to be damaged. By putting words to why trust is broken, teams and leaders can work together to repair those aspects of trust and grow closer together.With trust being the first part of the TEACH Leadership Model, the importance of trust can not be overstated! Tune in to hear how you can better identify where trust can grow in your relationships and in the relationships with your team!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/funk-style - License code: KUYOIZCBFCF1FOMP https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bolt - License code: RS1AU6Y5DGD5A3H8. https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time License code: 5EUWDIFBWYHENXPQ