The #1
Secret to Success? Ask For What You Want
by
Francine R. Gaillour, MD, MBA, FACPE
Why
do most physicians, physician executives and physician entrepreneurs stall
when it comes to professional development or advancement? Here
are some of the common reasons I hear from both clients and colleagues for
why they aren't making the progress they'd like:
-
"I
don't think I'm ready."
-
"If
I am good at what I do, people will be coming to me."
-
"I
can't seem to get clear."
-
"They
didn't seem interested in what I offer."
-
"Other
people probably had better ideas."
-
"I'm
patient and can wait."
In
my experience working with dozens of physicians, executives, managers and
business owners, what I find is the #1 common stumbling block is:
FAILURE TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT.
Whether
what you want is a more streamlined practice, more patients, more business,
a new position, a new project to work on, or a buyer for your product or services,
it is incumbent upon you to ask for what you.
Ask
and it shall be given. Honest! Just follow these three rules:
Rule
#1: Don't assume anyone knows what you want. For example, if
you want to advance in your medical management career, there are people of
influence around you who are in a position to help. Until you have specifically
notified them that you are interested in advancing your career or taking
on more responsibility, they do not already know.
Rule
#2: Learn how to ask in a TASTEFUL way. There is a secret formula for
"tasteful asking" that I help my coaching clients employ and it
goes something like this: A-B-C. Appreciate the role the
other person plays in your business or life. Bring your
successes in or passion for your current role to the surface. Ask to Contribute
further to the organization through additional responsibilities, or through
a value-add service.
Rule
#3: Never demand, whine, or threaten. People are more than willing
to help you achieve your goals and/or give you business when they trust you,
and know you are a person of integrity. Demanding, whining,
threatening, or being "passive aggressive" destroys trust.
While you may get what you want a couple of times, long term it will cost
you valuable allies.
Are
you ready now to reconsider what holds you back from advancing or
progressing. If you haven't "asked" lately for what you
want, I encourage to try it and be sure to follow the three rules above.
Francine
R. Gaillour, MD, MBA, FACPE is an executive coach and business consultant.
She is president of The Gaillour Group and director of Creative Strategies in Physician
Leadership. Dr. Gaillour is a professional speaker on healthcare leadership,
technology and cultural change.
She can be reached at
(206) 686-4205
or francine@physicianleadership.com
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