It’s your girl, Amy P., The Reimbursement Dietitian, and my mission is to simplify the reimbursement process for dietitians and CNSs.
But here’s what most folks don’t know: I also run a multi-6-figure insurance-based group practice with a team of badass RDs — and learning how to manage a dietitian team has been one of the hardest, messiest, humbling, and most valuable leadership journeys of my life.
No one teaches us how to lead when we’re scaling. And I say this from a place of love: this sh*t is not for the faint of heart. Everything we are going to talk about today, I have royally f*cked up.
So today, I’m giving you the ‘realest’ breakdown of how to lead your dietitian team without micromanaging, losing your cool, or getting stuck in the “I’ll just do it myself” trap.
Let’s talk about 6 key leadership skills that will help your RDs win — and help you stay sane.
1. Clarity of Vision
Your nutrition team can’t succeed if they don’t know where they’re going.
As the team leader, you need to define:
- Where are we headed?
- What does success look like?
- What do we not do here?
If you’re vague, they hesitate.
If you’re clear, they move confidently.
Managing dietitians starts with repeating your vision until they can finish your sentences. It’s not overkill — it’s leadership.
2. Fast, Intentional Decisions
Your team mirrors you. If you freeze, they freeze.
Teach your RDs to ask:
- “What’s the outcome I want?”
- “What’s the fastest decision I can make that aligns with our values?”
Intentional speed builds trust. And when things go wrong (because they will), model how to pivot without panic.
3. Accountability Is Respect
If you want to run a high-performing nutrition team, accountability is non-negotiable.
Set expectations. Track progress. Follow through.
When a dietitian drops the ball, say: “Here’s what we agreed on. Here’s what happened. Let’s close the gap.”
This is how you manage a team like a boss, not a babysitter.
4. Emotional Control Is Your Superpower
Your emotional energy affects the whole practice. Dietitians are intuitive — they pick up on your stress.
So when things go sideways (hello, insurance denials!), skip the eye rolls and stay steady.
Say: “This didn’t go as planned. Let’s troubleshoot together.”
Your calm is your power
5. Radical Candor
Want to grow your team? Give them feedback that actually helps.
Radical candor = “I care about you, and I’m going to be honest.”
Say: “I want to see you win, and here’s what needs to improve.”
Praise in public.
Correct in private.
Managing a dietitian team requires honesty and backbone, not avoidance.
6. High Standards, Always
Want excellence? Don’t tolerate mediocrity.
Late notes, missed deadlines, or sloppy communication? Nope.
Say: “We do excellent work here. That’s the standard.”
Your team will either rise to meet it, or self-select out. Both outcomes are a win.
Thinking About Hiring Dietitians?
If you’re building a team inside your insurance-based nutrition practice, and want support with the hiring, training, and leadership pieces, I’ve got you.
Inside my Hiring Program, I teach you how to:
- Hire right (no regrets!)
- Set strong expectations
- Onboard smoothly
Lead your team with confidence (and zero chaos)
Your future RDs — and your nervous system — will thank you.
Hugs & High Fives – Amy
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