Acts of kindness and generosity can leave a lasting, positive impression on others in the large, but close-knit healthcare IT community. The following are a few simple ways to enhance your reputation and legacy:
Thank-you notes
Work pressures, time pressures, and budget issues can be draining day after day. The rewards of all this hard work and deadline pressure can seem few and far between. What I have found to be a quick pick-me-up is to look at the multiple “thank you” cards and messages I have received this year through regular mail or by email. Remember to send individual thank-you notes after an interview, or to a colleague or staff member who goes out of their way to do something special. A hand-written thank you card adds a special touch. I am impressed with individuals who express appreciation even when I critique their resumes, or tell them that their backgrounds don’t match a client’s needs.
Referrals
I contact hundreds of CIOs a year about our executive searches. Many reply that they are happy at their current job and can’t look at a new opportunity, but openly refer someone who they would recommend for the position. Several CIOs have even mentioned key staff members within their organizations who they feel that they are ready to move on to a new opportunity. It is a very unselfish act that shows a lot of character and confidence. Giving someone an unsolicited recommendation or reference is also a wonderful way to be remembered yourself.
Grooming successors
Leaving a lasting legacy as a health system CIO can be enhanced by grooming and promoting IT leaders in your organization. Grooming a CIO successor or successors is a great way to leave a lasting legacy. A successor can be brought to high-level meetings, be given “CIO” responsibilities while you are away, and be empowered to gain other leadership experiences such as CHIME Healthcare CIO Boot Camp or other training courses such as Dale Carnegie or Toastmasters.
In the highly competitive and fast-paced world of healthcare IT, your acts of kindness will speak volumes regarding your character and values, and will leave a truly lasting legacy.
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