What characteristics will set you up for success? I have been fortunate to hear from a multitude of healthcare executives through my interviews for the online learning platform, America’s Healthcare Leaders.
I recently interviewed Eric Barber, president and CEO of Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, Nebraska. During the interview, we had the opportunity to discuss the specific characteristics he looks for when hiring and promoting within his organization. The advice given is applicable to all individuals pursuing success in any industry.
Barber lists the three critical characteristics for achieving success as:
- Being Passionate
- Willing to Follow Specific Guidelines and Directions
- Being Self Motivated
We have discussed each of these characteristics separately, but it is important to note the advantage of achieving all three. Passion drives you to go the extra mile and to accomplish more than you did the day before. This is not an attribute specific to healthcare. A passionate teacher inspires students to achieve more. No matter what career you have, passion gives you a reason to show up in the morning.
Barber’s second characteristic is “willing to follow specific guidelines and directions.” Every organization has a specific code of conduct with guidelines and direction on acceptable procedure and behavior. Knowing your organization and being willing to adapt to this code is a step towards success. By doing this, you become a more effective employee.
The last characteristic Barber pointed out was ‘being self-motivated.’ Barber even goes further to say that this characteristic is one of the most important to have if you desire to be promoted within his organization. At the end of the interview Barber shows how all three of these characteristics set you up for success:
“If they are self motivated and they are passionate about what we are doing, then I can empower them and give them some guidance that doesn’t have to be too strict, because they share a common goal and common vision with the organization.”
Are you passionate, willing to follow instructions, and self motivated? What are you doing to set yourself up for greater success, and what can you do better?
To watch this full interview and hear some more excellent advice from healthcare executive Eric Baber, click here.
