Set clear expectations
The first thing you need to do is understand your new role and
define its success, which isn't found among the bullet points on your
position's job description. Meet with the higher ups in your hospital
or the physician-owners of your surgery center to discuss the expec-
tations they have for your position. Use that conversation to set
expectations for yourself. Also share with those you answer to your
expectations for the support you'll need from them to be successful.
Establishing these parameters will form the basis for your ultimate
success. A misunderstanding or misalignment of expectations in the
beginning is the fastest way to frustration and failure.
Write down your goals
What do you want to accomplish in your new role and why? If
you have the context of clear expectations, set goals that are in align-
ment with those realities. Set goals from several perspectives:
• Role goals. Perform an honest self-assessment to determine what
you have to improve to be successful in your new position. That will
help guide what you need to learn immediately and in the long-term
as you move forward. Also determine how you'll help your staff suc-
ceed at higher levels and make concrete plans to reach those goals.
• Organizational goals. What big-picture goals do you have for
your facility and how will you contribute to reaching those objec-
tives? What role will the staff play in achieving those facility-wide
goals? If you want to improve your patient satisfaction scores or
increase case revenues, make the goals concrete and partner with
your staff to make them happen.
• Personal goals. What do you want to accomplish in this new role?
Perhaps you want to earn an advanced degree or become active in
national professional organizations. Set your sights on what needs to
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