| Accomplishments Build Careers |
One of the most impactful check-ins is a periodic
progress report at a regularly scheduled meeting of key members of the
leadership team.
Individuals may believe they deserve a promotion
(e.g., “I have been a director for 10 years, and I deserve to be a VP!”).
Unless they can demonstrate the ability to deliver tangible results and
benefits for an organization beyond their current position, however,
individuals should not be promoted.
Setting and Tracking Goals
There
are numerous factors to consider when crafting annual goals. Making the goal a
derivative of an organizational strategy, an interest of the executive’s direct
supervisor, one that is shared with other executives or one that requires
resources wholly contained within the executive’s area of responsibility are
excellent options. Garnering required resources and support is more easily
achieved when the goal incorporates these considerations.
Executives should know the metrics or impactful qualitative outcomes they want
to achieve upfront. It’s also helpful to visualize the accomplishments derived
from goals on their resumes. Then, individuals can ask themselves whether those
achievements will be impressive on their annual performance reviews or to a
hiring manager, regardless of whether a job search is in their career plans.
Executing Goals
First, executives are encouraged to communicate goals to stakeholders who
will hold them publicly accountable. Second, delegate responsibilities to
stakeholders with clear expectations, specific milestones and regular
check-ins. One of the most impactful check-ins is a periodic progress report at
a regularly scheduled meeting of key members of the leadership team.
Third, engage a peer who also has an interest in this goal. Share the journey.
And fourth, make sure no significant resources beyond what is built into the
annual budget are needed. Promises for additional resources evaporate quickly
when finances get strained.
It has been all hands on deck as healthcare organizations absorb shifting
government recommendations, institute policies and procedures for safety,
procure adequate personal protective equipment, build testing capabilities, and
care for COVID-19 patients, all while managing steep financial losses. A key
for leaders is managing these day-to-day issues while keeping their goals
top-of-mind and steadily progressing throughout the year.
Whether a job search is on the horizon or not, driving toward accomplishments
that merit inclusion on their resumes will keep leaders focused on their career
and perhaps even optimistic as they head into a performance review.
--Adapted from “Accomplishments
Build Careers,” Healthcare Executive, Alan S.
Kaplan, MD, FACHE, CEO, UW Health, Madison, Wis.
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