- Network for maximum exposure
As an early careerist, seek to broaden your network, but use a strategy that prioritizes quality over quantity. For example, John E. Green, Jr. gives a realistic reminder for finding your networking balance. - Find mentor and sponsor
Early in your career, learn how to find and nurture relationships with experienced individuals who are willing to assist you along your career path—mentors—and willing to advocate on your behalf—sponsors. Here’s a quick tip from John E. Green, Jr. on how to build a mutually beneficial mentoring relationship.Tool: Mentee Guide
- Learn “meta-leadership”
This is the interpersonal skill of managing up, down, and laterally. Learning how to demonstrate leadership appropriately when interacting with any level in the organization will help you establish and cultivate invaluable relationships.
Leverage Relationships
Leverage Relationships
Early Careerist
Mid-Careerist
- Build collaboration skills
One of your most critical relationships will be with those who report to you. Effective managers understand there will be times when it’s most effective to manage your direct report relationship as a collaborative effort. John E. Green, Jr. suggests one way to approach this collaborative connection. - Use mentors for candid feedback
It is not always easy speaking to others about your short-comings or opportunities for growth, but it is essential to have a source who will give you the “real-deal.” Develop a close network of people with whom you can be vulnerable and honest so that you receive feedback that will help you go to the next phase of your career. - Establish stronger network with other recognized healthcare leaders
One way to do this is to become involved in professional organizations, which will increase your network, enhance skills, develop leadership skills, and more. - Learn how to talk with senior leaders
Learning to communicate more effectively with senior leaders can begin by recognizing the barriers—internal or external to yourself—that impede your outreach to those in the highest ranks. Then proactively work to overcome those real or perceived obstacles.
Senior Careerist
- Establish close connection with select executive search firms
Focus on developing close relationships with a few executive search firms so they are optimally prepared to present you to each potential employer. Check out this study of executive search firms to understand what they are looking for and their approaches to filling senior healthcare management roles. - Mentor and sponsor others
As you have likely experienced already, by helping others in their career, you also boost your own career skills. For example, working with those in younger generations can help your skills stay current and relevant. Make time to sharpen your mentoring and sponsorship skills.Tool: Mentor Guide
- Focus more on motivating others
Your role as a senior leader can often be to motivate others or remove barriers for them so that they can accomplish their organizational and
professional objectives.