what smart women need to conquer healthcare's glass ceiling
Post on 12-Apr-2017
371 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
When it comes to healthcare, women usually call the shots.
94% of working moms make healthcare
decisions for their families.
Our industry leadership should reflect the patients we serve. And women do make up 73% of health
service managers.
But they represent only 4% of industry
CEOs.
Cyndy Flores PA-C Director of PA/NP Strategy and Innovation
Janet Young MD Operations Vice President
We want to share some tips from our own leadership journeys so you can climb
Higher and Faster
(And avoid our mistakes, too.)
1. Engage
It sounds obvious. But to climb the leadership ladder, at some point you
need to step onto the first rung.
For Janet, it was joining and later chairing CEP's New Partner Committee …
“You can't just hang around waiting for responsibility.
Find ways to contribute that highlight your strengths and
passions.”
Janet Young, MD
1. Engage
For Cyndy, it was saying yes when a friend invited her to a California Academy of Physician Assistants board meeting.
(At that moment, she was relaxing next to
the pool. “I never saw the pool again,” Cyndy says.)
“Sometimes you get lucky and someone taps you on
the shoulder. But if not, you just have to go for it.”
Cyndy Flores, PA-C
2. Seek Out Mentors
Mentors are powerful, so don't wait for them to come to you. Actively cultivate relationships with people you admire.
“There were two women in CEP who commanded a lot of respect. I wondered what they had that I
didn't. So I reached out to both of them and asked which actions
had been most helpful in developing their careers. That's
how it all started.”
Cyndy Flores, PA-C
2. Seek Out Mentors
If possible, have multiple mentors. Different mentoring styles balance one
another. Some days you need a cheerleader. And other days you need
someone to challenge you.
3. Take Risks
When she had been with CEP for just a few years, Janet moved from California to Chicago to serve as Medical Director of
CEP’s first Midwest practice.
It was a risk for her and her family. But she also realized it might be a stepping-stone to bigger, better things. And it was.
“If you're hesitant to make the leap, remember that nothing is
forever. Some people try leadership and decide it's not for
them. But for others, it completely changes their life and practice for the better. So don’t
be afraid to take a chance."
Janet Young, MD
4. Solicit Feedback
Leadership development is all about multiplying your strengths and
strengthening your weaknesses. But first, you need to know what they are.
Get in the habit of asking mentors,
supervisors, and colleagues specific questions about your performance.
4. Solicit Feedback
What’s one thing I could have
improved about that presentation? What numbers
could I produce that would really wow
you?
“Getting emotional was one of my big challenges when I was starting out. I cry when I hear certain radio commercials or the Star-Spangled
Banner at hockey games. So I actually took a class about
controlling emotions, and it's really helped me to accept feedback and
grow from it."
Cyndy Flores, PA-C
“I used to supervise nine Medical Directors: five women and four men.
Three of the four men asked for a raise at some point. But not a single woman asked about compensation
unless I brought it up first. No matter who you are, never be afraid to ask
for what you're worth.”
Janet Young, MD
6. Treat Failure Like a Bruise, Not a Scar
No one likes to fail. But if you're going to be a leader, occasional failures are
inevitable.
Confronting your failures is one of the fastest ways to grow.
“People are so concerned about doing something wrong when they move into leadership positions. I wish they could see some of the bonehead moves I've made over
the years. And gosh darn it, I'm still here. It's important to remember
that we all put our pants on one leg at a time.”
Cyndy Flores, PA-C
7. Find Something That Balances You
Invest in areas of your life that are outside of your job. When you're
balanced, you feel more resilient. It's easier to keep work setbacks and failures
in perspective.
“Sometimes leadership can be a form of balance in itself. What we
see day-to-day in clinical practice is incredibly humbling. We deal with
people when they’re at their worst, at their sickest. An administrative role
allows you to step back and contribute in a different way.”
Janet Young, MD
8. And Finally, Be You
Don’t feel you have to change in order to lead.
Don't feel you have to become perfect.
The best leadership comes from a place
of authenticity.
“I was practicing my leadership presentation for our women's forum
at home. My 9-year-old daughter could see I was getting kind of
nervous and stressed out over it. She said, 'Mom, nobody should be
afraid of just being themselves.' Which made me laugh, because it
was so spot on.”
Janet Young, MD
Climbing the leadership ladder isn’t always easy. But if you’re a woman who’s interested in making change,
our industry needs you.
So take that first step upward. We
believe in you!
Ready for the next step in your leadership journey?
Visit our website to learn more about
careers with CEP America.
top related