Episode 274 | Is It Really a People Problem - or a Leadership Opportunity? Busting Myths About Leadership with Adrian Koehler

2025-07-30

As a group practice owner, it’s easy to assume your struggles are about hiring or team dynamics, when what’s really needed is some honest reflection and strong leadership training for teams. In this episode, I sat down with leadership coach, Adrian Koehler to unpack what’s actually going wrong in many therapy practices: leadership mistakes that no one wants to talk about. Adrian and I get into the real reasons leaders get stuck, why “being nice” isn’t always kind, and how your discomfort might be costing your business. We bust some major myths about leadership, and Adrian shares what...

As a group practice owner, it’s easy to assume your struggles are about hiring or team dynamics, when what’s really needed is some honest reflection and strong leadership training for teams.

In this episode, I sat down with leadership coach, Adrian Koehler to unpack what’s actually going wrong in many therapy practices: leadership mistakes that no one wants to talk about.

Adrian and I get into the real reasons leaders get stuck, why “being nice” isn’t always kind, and how your discomfort might be costing your business.

We bust some major myths about leadership, and Adrian shares what therapists-turned-leaders need to know if they want to grow a team that’s healthy, honest, and aligned.

Here’s what we cover in this powerful conversation:

The #1 blind spot that leads to the most common leadership mistakes - and how to start fixing it today
What to do if you’ve given someone too many chances and it’s starting to hurt your team (spoiler: it's not just about writing a PIP)
Why great therapists often struggle as leaders, and how to overcome that disconnect with the right leadership training for teams
The truth about radical candor, “ruinous empathy,” and how these hidden habits damage team culture
How to ask yourself one simple (but daring) question that reveals how to improve as a leader in your group practice

Whether you're leading a small team or managing a growing staff, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership - and how you show up for your people.

LINKS:

Need extra support? Join The Exchange, a membership community just for group practice owners.

The Group Practice Exchange Programs + Courses

The Accountability Equation™ Quiz

The Accountability Equation Book

Group Practice Forecasting Support GPT

CONNECT WITH MAUREEN WERRBACH & THE GROUP PRACTICE EXCHANGE:

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CONNECT WITH ADRIAN KOEHLER:

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SPONSORS:

TherapyNotes: An EHR software that helps behavioral health professionals manage their practice with confidence and efficiency. Go to therapynotes.com/r/thegrouppracticeexchange for two free months!

GreenOak Accounting: An accounting firm that specializes in working with group practices. Mention TGPE to get $100 off your first month!

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