In a recent wide-ranging interview with Traci Bernard, President, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Southlake, Texas, I asked the following question:
If someone in the healthcare field asked you for 3 to 5 very important Tips for Success, what would you say?
Traci’s response provides excellent food for thought… and action… as each of us prepare for personal and professional success in 2011. Traci’s succinct but very powerful response was as follows:
- “Be fair
- Be honest
- Take risks
- Care about people
- Set goals
- Surround yourself with people smarter than you”
Traci then briefly discussed each of these powerful, life-changing success factors and how each of them has played out in her personal and professional life. When she finished, I told her she should “take that speech on the road!” In my opinion this message, and more importantly its application, is desperately needed in every area of our society today.
BTW, if you are looking for an excellent, very well informed speaker, one with current hands-on experience, high credibility and a successful clinical and leadership background, I highly recommend Traci Bernard. She obviously has a full time job. But, if you can book her, you will not be disappointed!
Traci particularly elaborated on surround yourself with people smarter than you.
“Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with people smarter than you. My personal observation has been that most leaders who fail and do not grow are leaders who were and are afraid, for various reasons, to surround themselves with smarter people.”
“Strong, smart people not only lift you up, they cause the entire boat, the entire team, the entire organization to rise to the next level. Don’t be intimidated by smarter people. Recruit them, welcome them, embrace them, and make them a strategic part of your team!”
Excellent advice for 2011 and beyond! Think about the dramatic improvements and possibilities in your personal and professional life if you double or triple your focus, commitment and actions to:
- Be fair
- Be honest
- Take risks
- Care about people
- Set goals
- Surround yourself with people smarter than you
