Difficult team members. Managers who inevitably add one more task. Healthcare administrators who look through us rather than at us. It can be easy for MSPs to fall into the trap of feeling like a victim. It’s up to us to shrug off victimhood and instead step into our MSP power.
MSP power can feel elusive, but we have it within ourselves to create careers that are fulfilling, where our voices are heard and where we can contribute in meaningful ways. Here are four actions you can begin to adopt that will enable you to turn on your spotlight.
- Develop Emotional Intelligence
Society places a premium on being “book smart,” but the cornerstone of MSP success lies in becoming “self smart” and “people smart.” This is called emotional intelligence. Understanding the ways in which we behave and react in various situations equips us to understand other people’s motivations and behaviors. As a result, we are able to treat difficult people with empathy and compassion, while never compromising our values or ethics.
- Take Risks
Routines are comfortable. We complete our tasks competently and efficiently, stay in our lane, and – in the process – stifle our growth. Taking professional risks empowers us to both fulfill our potential and to feel fulfilled. Maybe specializing in payer enrollment will open up opportunities. Perhaps there’s a way to represent MSPs on an administrative committee. It could be time to seek a different position that puts our career on a growth trajectory. Taking measured risks propels us forward.
- Be the Solution
Wherever we are in our careers, we can look around and see what’s lacking. Whether it’s a cumbersome process, technology that is working at cross-purposes to a goal, or opportunity costs caused by unnecessary delays, MSPs typically have a bird’s eye view into stumbling blocks. That uniquely positions us to approach decision makers with potential solutions. Advocating for and implementing solutions empowers us and creates another avenue for us to contribute to our organizations.
- Pay it Forward
Our careers have been built on a combination of bootstrapping – finding the resources to propel us forward – and standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. When we share our wisdom and help others develop their skills, passion, and power, it solidifies our own positive self-regard. We can use that as fuel to discover our next project, to develop our next area of expertise, and to recognize opportunities that align with our goals.
When we step into our power, we are more focused, more effective, and more satisfied. We feel more connected to our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. It’s time to rise to our personal and professional potential and let our lights shine.