Re-Evaluating Yourself

Abstract

While setting goals is important, it is also important to reflect on your true “long-term vision statement.” Understanding how you have changed is important, so that you can better focus as your value system and strategy. There is no more powerful learning tool than close observation of high performing people, or people you hope to emulate. Jump at opportunities to work with your system leadership, it will get you the added benefit of observing the leadership closely, seeing how they formulate a plan, strategy for that plan, and watch the subsequent execution. Ongoing development can be vital, and helpful, but pursuing this in a busy time in your career is challenging. As you become more senior, and more skilled, you can buy time and take courses or take a personal or group retreat to recharge. Most of us do not do this enough, and this can be very helpful. Time is the most precious commodity we have, and generally urologists do not lack for salary, unless other circumstances more personal than professional have intervened. The ability to change is a “superpower.” There is nothing more difficult than to change. Old school values, such as hard work, blind passion, intense loyalty, may sound good but are far from modern or as relevant as in the past. Ego and respect are also problematic values. No matter who you are, leave your ego at the door whenever possible. Respect is more complicated. You can seek respect, but in the end you earn respect, most likely every day, every hour. We work in a hierarchical environment, of rank, or full partner status in the practice setting. While important at many levels, the “privileges of membership” can be the source of serious indiscretions. Again, the emphasis must be on self-improvement, moving forward, and adapting to, not living on past accomplishments and times. So how do you learn to adapt? Knowing yourself is key, as you may think you are adapting when actually you are not. Ask others, watch others, and mentor others with interest. With time, you can learn a lot from your mentees and in the end, continue to refine your approach to best meet the needs of your team. Finally, adaptation requires study. Those who can adapt are the “ultimate students,” who keep getting better against the odds.