Why some physicians stall in professional development?
Category: Physician Coaching Tips, Physicians in Business
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.