By: Susan Boydell | sboydell@barlowmccarthy.com
Finding and even keeping great talent has been one of the fallouts of the pandemic and, not surprisingly, physician relations was not spared. As a program leader, we have a huge responsibility to grow our talent. It takes some thought, some planning and, most of all, gathering insights from your team members. When I think back to my early career, I had two great mentors who I believe not only taught me a lot, but they pushed and challenged me in ways for which I am eternally grateful.
Great talent is an asset to your organization, but it must be nourished and nurtured. With so many physician relations teams the career ladder is sometimes a bit short. Don’t let that stop you. A career ladder is not just about advancing to a manager or a director. Think about it as an opportunity to learn new skills, take on new tasks or maybe manage a project.
A good place to start is by asking and listening to what matters to your team members. Some liaisons are perfectly fine with doing their work in the field and don’t aspire to anything more. If they are good performers, keep encouraging great work. A career ladder is likely not what will motivate them. Listen and learn about what is important to them. It could be as simple as being recognized for their work.
For those that want more, ask the question about where they envision their career being in the next five years. Let them talk and you listen. As their leader, it’s up to you to identify a path to help them achieve their goal. Those goals also need to help the organization or the team better achieve its goals. The path must be mutually beneficial for both.
Let’s look at several ways helping your liaisons achieve their career aspirations can benefit the team and the organization.
Retention. When liaisons know you are invested in their personal development it shows you value them. If your liaisons are constantly learning and growing in ways that matter, they are less likely to need to go elsewhere.
Advancing their skills and knowledge. An intentional career path often identifies new knowledge or skills needed to achieve the next level. This could include training or education courses. It could also include mentoring or shadowing. When planned well, everyone benefits.
Greater results. A highly motivated, constantly advancing team leads to great results. This means you are more competitive as an organization. You are on the leading edge as a team. And, you are likely a place a liaison wants to work.
Investing in your talent produces excellent rewards. Ask, listen and observe to uncover the unique gifts of your team members and work to help them develop those talents. It’s a win-win opportunity.
Are you ready for a Barlow/McCarthy physician relations strategy session? We’ve been meeting with programs all over the country helping them get back in shape after the past few years. Please reach out at sboydell@barlowmccarthy.com so we can connect and find a time to talk.