Imagine this…I’m writing to you in the future. Make that: the not-so-distant future. You’re now several years down the road of your leadership journey, traveling through new territories in your profession and making discoveries about yourself along the way. As with any good venture, it’s always helpful to have a road map. While there are not “shortcuts” to becoming a seasoned leader, there are certainly best practices that will shine a light on your career path as you move forward. So, think of the following advice from me to you as a set of travel direction-and please know that I wish you a wonderful trip.
Congratulation on working for the best hospital in Bakersfield! I know that as a leader, you may still be trying to find your feet and learn the ins and outs of healthcare, but stick with it. I guarantee you the best is yet to come. While I don’t want to spoil the mystery of the unknown, I can reveal that you will experience so many wonderfully rewarding moments and meet the most incredible people in your future. And, yes, many of your wildest dreams will come true.
But there’s a caveat: You will have to work hard to make your dreams happen.
This road you’re on won’t always be smooth- as a leader, you’ll encounter your fair share of bumps, chasms, and forks. There will be times when you want to give up and throw in the towel – and everything else, for that matter. Refuse.
By turning challenges into opportunities, you will find the success that once seemed unattainable. But you won’t always succeed. You will fail time and time again. That’s OK, because failure is an inevitable part of every personal leadership journey. It’s important to pick yourself up, retrace your steps, look at what went wrong, and learn from your mistakes. After all, obstacles will be a constant in your life. But don’t let this discourage you; everyone can get temporarily lost on a journey. Failure teaches us life’s greatest lessons and often shows us a better way of doing things. Refuse ever to let failure get you down.
Repeat: Everyone fails.
Leader – now there’s a word that may have once seemed like an enigma to you. But the term will become synonymous with your name and your approach to taking care of people. Of course, leadership is also a word compatible with risk. And not all are bad. You took a risk when you left school to take a new job, and again when you moved to another department – and both paid off. Continue to take chances. in the future, how “lucky” you are in the professional world will be determined by how willing you are to take calculated risks.
So, as you navigate your leadership journey, let your dreams guide your path. Keep the people you love and respect close to you. Delegate responsibility. Keep naysayers way. Your ability to take calculate risks and your incurable optimism will bring you to great heights – both as a leader and in life.
Dare to go beyond: You have the ability, make it happen.
From the future, I encourage you to make the most of the opportunities and the challenges that come your way every day. Just like the beloved Dr. Seuss wrote in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” reach for the moon – it’s yours for the taking…if you go out there and grab for it with both hands!
Good luck and Godspeed.