“Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This famous phrase, attributed to intellectual giants such as Mark Twain and Confucius, has been the ultimate professional goal. While it is an excellent notion, even those who are truly happy in their careers can still view their roles as “work.” This brings another famous phrase by Albert Einstein to mind; “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome.” At times the routine of being a part of the workforce can feel a bit daunting: wake up, work, sleep, repeat.
One of the best approaches to combating the monotony is to find little ways to break the repetition and promote continued personal/professional growth. Small changes made consistently over time lead to sustained improvement, not just for healthcare organizations, but for the hard-working leaders that make operations possible. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Don’t Hit Snooze
- Personal – Many feel that hitting the snooze button allows them to ease into waking up. In reality, the disruption is not the best way for our minds or our bodies to start the day. The extra 5-to-10-minutes is not long enough to return to restorative sleep and can negatively affect mood and cognition. Instead, greet the day head-on!
- Professional – When intended improvement plans meet obstacle or opposition, it is important to persist, not pause. By reassessing and adjusting to directly address challenges, momentum is maintained not lost.
- Just Keep Learning
- Personal – It is easy to forget that personal development is just as important as professional growth. Reading, exercise, better sleep, taking up a new hobby, travel, meditation, etc. are ways that that careerists can create a better work-life balance and prioritize self.
- Professional – Continued education is a strong catalyst for effecting change. In most healthcare organizations, leadership development is not a primary focus, but an afterthought. When leaders are given the opportunity to continually expand their knowledge, they acquire the skills, tools, and confidence needed to make a positive impact.
- Data is Power
- Personal – Life is comprised of a lot of important numbers that guide decisions and provide direction; age, income, dates, times, credit scores, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. are all key in how life is lived. Having this data allows for greater insight and better planning so pay close attention and use it!
- Professional – In business, the tangible measures of performance are often black and white; numbers and figures which can create stress and a sense of anxiety around data. Well-informed decisions guide effective strategy and drive operational growth. The more information that leaders have at their disposal, the more power they have to implement positive change.
- Attitude is Everything
- Personal – Mood can often determine one’s daily outlook which in turn can impact personal interactions with family, friends, co-workers, and even complete strangers. It can also affect one’s view of themself, for the good and for the bad. When you look good, you feel good and that attitude can be infectious. Small changes to your personal appearance, new clothes, new shoes, new haircut, can help to boost mood and confidence.
- Professional – As a leader, it is important to set the tone for your team and lead by example. While you may approach each day with a positive attitude, others may not. It is critical for leaders to dial into the personalities of their employees and to know how to best address their needs. What works for one will not always work for another. Tailor your approach to bring out the best in everyone.
- Celebrate the wins
- Personal – Celebrating is one of the greatest joys of living. From birthdays and anniversaries to graduations and work milestones, there are so many moments worth reveling. Focus what makes you happy and seize any opportunity to further enjoy positives that life brings.
- Professional – Leaders are often quick to acknowledge the efforts of their staff and reward their successes, but hardly ever afford themselves the same courtesy. Many view self-recognition as vain or conceited. However, it is simply human. Those responsible for achieving the “wins” should take a key role in celebrating them.
ALTIUS partners, not just with hospitals and healthcare systems, but with the individuals responsible for their success. We challenge complacency and break convention by furnishing leaders with the right resources, tools, and support to effect meaningful change and redefine the routine.
To learn more about our services and explore the opportunity collaborate with us, reach out directly at [email protected] or visit our website at www.altiushcg.com.