On next steps and making a good impression....

[rebel100]

So, I've been trying to increase my networking opportunities and trying to turbo charge my future. One tactic I've taken on is looking for mentors and champions. Mentors being those already in positions I want who can teach me and guide my path in getting there. Champions, to me, may be mentors first but they go the extra mile and actually put you forward for positions and make attaining that next level a reality, in short they act as the champion of me.

I've had some successes simply asking people to spend time with me. "Can I buy you lunch or have half hour of your time"? Senior management likes to do this, no one has turned me down ( though I'm a bit selective in who I ask). Late summer last year found me at lunch with my hospital COO which led to him fighting to get me to n the Ebola planning team where I had a chance to stand out. He also encouraged me to join a hospital management focused professional group which promotes individual growth and career development. It feels like it's working though no promotion yet. The Ebola assignment led me to a new contact with a corporate VP.

So I took this afternoon off to make today's meeting with her. Shirt is starched, shoes shined, pants are actually new, I'm trying to minimize movement so I don't sweat too much in this sport coat. I stopped off at the men's room to check the knot in the tie, washed my face, gathered my thoughts...your gonna ace this thing rebel! Turned around opened the door.....and walked right into the janitors closet! 😄

Haha, bound to get better from here!

[rebel100]

Well that was an interesting meeting...

She asked me how I saw me career progressing, what do I hope to see. I answered COO of one of the divisions with a possibility of, one day, being eligible for a CEO role. She answered at length on what that would look like, and went over my resume with me. She indicated that not only did I have the much of the needed experience (she said many within the organization have the experience) but I also HAVE THE REQUIRED DEGREE being trained through the Masters level...to a guy who had a bunch of credits but no degree until 2010 that was a bright moment.

I believe I've found another great mentor. She gave me homework:

I'm to pull the job descriptions for the COO role and the position just under COO called Administrator I'm to digest the expectations of the role, be able top speak to how I fit these jobs, be able to explain my understanding of exactly what the roles entail.She wants this done before I move on to step two.

Step two: I was given five names in order of importance, I'm tasked with reaching out to each of them. One is a corporate CEO, three are COO's, and one is an up and comer, not certain of her exact job title. My new mentor explains she wants me to know these folks, but more importantly wants them to know me and that I aspire to a higher position. She described this part as being the most critical, has to be done.

Finally we chatted about some specific things she wants me to be able to speak to in regards to experience. Physician liaison (relationships), Contracts (leases, service acquisition, etc...), and Business Developement. I think I can do a better job talking these up in my resume, just re-arrange things and seek opportunities to address these deficiencies. I'm also to hone my understanding of patient access (how folks come into a given hospital looking for care) and lean process. I think I will get the six sigma white belt knocked out ASAP that shouldn't be particularly hard I studied the process at WGU.

I think the highlight was finally having someone take what I believe was an unbiased look at my resume and say "your ready". They didn't think jumping right to COO (at least at a smaller business unit) was out of the question, and were able to guide me into how that or a position one step down might be possible...feeling empowered here.

So, things did get better once I found my way out of the maintenance closet...it did have a just washed lemony fresh scent though.

[LaterBloomer]

Way to go! So many of us (guilty, your Honor) think, "If I just do a good job, I'll get ahead." Fuhgetaboutit. You have to put yourself out there AND be able to show that you're ready, willing, and able to do what needs to be done to get ahead. It appears to me that you're looking from guidance from more than one person, and I think that that's smart. People have different perspectives - and some one might leave - so it's always good to have more than one view on how to move up.

Good luck! (I'd hire you on the lemony-fresh scent alone, being a citrus lover.)

[cookderosa]

Well that was an interesting meeting...

She asked me how I saw me career progressing, what do I hope to see. I answered COO of one of the divisions with a possibility of, one day, being eligible for a CEO role. She answered at length on what that would look like, and went over my resume with me. She indicated that not only did I have the much of the needed experience (she said many within the organization have the experience) but I also HAVE THE REQUIRED DEGREE being trained through the Masters level...to a guy who had a bunch of credits but no degree until 2010 that was a bright moment.

I believe I've found another great mentor. She gave me homework:

I'm to pull the job descriptions for the COO role and the position just under COO called Administrator I'm to digest the expectations of the role, be able top speak to how I fit these jobs, be able to explain my understanding of exactly what the roles entail.She wants this done before I move on to step two.

Step two: I was given five names in order of importance, I'm tasked with reaching out to each of them. One is a corporate CEO, three are COO's, and one is an up and comer, not certain of her exact job title. My new mentor explains she wants me to know these folks, but more importantly wants them to know me and that I aspire to a higher position. She described this part as being the most critical, has to be done.

Finally we chatted about some specific things she wants me to be able to speak to in regards to experience. Physician liaison (relationships), Contracts (leases, service acquisition, etc...), and Business Developement. I think I can do a better job talking these up in my resume, just re-arrange things and seek opportunities to address these deficiencies. I'm also to hone my understanding of patient access (how folks come into a given hospital looking for care) and lean process. I think I will get the six sigma white belt knocked out ASAP that shouldn't be particularly hard I studied the process at WGU.

I think the highlight was finally having someone take what I believe was an unbiased look at my resume and say "your ready". They didn't think jumping right to COO (at least at a smaller business unit) was out of the question, and were able to guide me into how that or a position one step down might be possible...feeling empowered here.

So, things did get better once I found my way out of the maintenance closet...it did have a just washed lemony fresh scent though.

Now THAT'S a birthday present! Upward!

[rebel100]

Some interesting developments:

Since that first meeting I have had two more formal "interviews" with separate COO's, one was only so-so, not really a game changer in any way...the other was quite good. A few days after I met with (and had a pleasant 90 minute conversation with) the 3rd COO she contacted me about a job opportunity that is coming up. I applied and I'm now one of 3 people being interviewed for the position. I know a couple of the people who will be on the hiring board and at least one of them recently checked out my linkedin profile (tells me they must be thinking and talking about me). This particular COO also gave me a heads up on some online coursework to complete in change management/project management...been working my but off trying to get it all done.

I've not been quiet about htis in my present role, several folks have come forward offering to help me prepare and get ready for the interview...in fact everyone I've talked to has been supportive and positive about the possible changes.

Good timing too, as I just hired a new assistant manager...so my team won't be left in the learch if good things happen to me.

[ajs1976]

thanks for posting this. It is great info.

How big is the organization you work for?

[Prloko]

This may seem obvious, but here is an excellent resource to tap that few people use, your TESC/Excelsior/COSC instructors!

TESC selects mentors and some of these mentors are industry leaders. One particular mentor had connected with me on Linkedin. This mentor is a successful executive. I have connected with them professionally and recently was able to get an EXCELLENT letter of recommendation written for grad school.

Also, try to develop relationships that are a two way street, what can you do for them? What can they do for you? You will get very meaningful relationships out of it.

[rebel100]

thanks for posting this. It is great info.

How big is the organization you work for?

8 hospitals corporate wide, large market. Likely 10000+ though I don't know the exact number.

[Prloko]

8 hospitals corporate wide, large market. Likely 10000+ though I don't know the exact number.

I'm jealous. Sounds like an awesome job! Was this pre or post COSC?

[Kaz]

So, I've been trying to increase my networking opportunities and trying to turbo charge my future. One tactic I've taken on is looking for mentors and champions. Mentors being those already in positions I want who can teach me and guide my path in getting there. Champions, to me, may be mentors first but they go the extra mile and actually put you forward for positions and make attaining that next level a reality, in short they act as the champion of me....

I am so happy you made this thread because this facet of professional life is pivotal and I suck so hard at it it's not even funny. I didn't even realize it was a "thing" until I was in my 30's then I reminisced and realized how many opportunities I had fall in my lap that I was oblivious to. I hope you periodically update this thread as the months and years go by, it could be really valuable.