Letter to the Editor
Make it happen!
Contributed by: Ghassan Ghafour MD; PPD
diagnostics
Often times
we receive a directorship position as a reward and recognition for
the hard work and effort we have accomplished. However, seldom does
this appointment come with a handbook or any training to help
navigate through this new position. Most learn on the job and
sometimes at a heavy cost. In short, we need to quickly acquire new
skills with minimal support. We also need to prioritize our time
and energy very carefully in order to continue with successes and
achievements.
Below, I quickly summarized what I
have depended on for the last few years to help me make it
happen.
The most important characteristic you
need to attain your goals is leadership. Defining yourself as the
leader of your team, and your willingness to carry on the mission
of your team is at the center of what defines you as the leader,
not forgetting that a leader must often take the lead from his
team, and seek feedback and to ensure buy in and clarity for all in
the team.
Next comes support. Your team needs
your full support in order to follow in your footsteps. Support
comes in many ways, define the proper support for your team, and
make it your responsibility to ensure its availability to your
team. This may be training, or tools to ensure they are capable of
performing the job required of them, providing motivation, ensuring
they are challenged, and have opportunities for growth.
Once leadership and support are
established, it is on you to ensure that your team members share a
vision. Do you know what the mission of your institution is? From
that you need to develop a vision for your team. Make sure the
vision is in alignment with the overall mission, and make sure
everyone is onboard. Define vision in a way that would help your
team to be recognized as the leader in their field.
In a world void of interruptions, this
is all very easy to do, but the reality, as we know it, is nothing
short of daily seismic events. Focus becomes very important in
order not to lose track and be steered away from your goals.
Realities should be evaluated constantly, and adjusted as needed,
in order to achieve the goal you have for your team. It may be hard
to follow the plan as originally laid out, but accomplishments are
far more rewarding to let the daily grind stop you from reaching
your goal.