My most important lesson from 2023
Ryan LeBlanc
*Actively Recruiting Distribution Partners to PathKeeper* AI and Proprietary Camera Technology for Spine Surgeons to reduce radiation exposure and ensure outcomes. Active-Navigation.
Here is the most important lesson I learned in 2023.
As year-end is here reflection feels like a natural annual process. Looking back, I would share this lesson with my younger self (if I could), and hope that others find it useful. Especially those getting started in their career.
This “thing” is the key to curing Imposter Syndrome, it is a lever to building stronger relationships and can fast-track learning.
It has been well described, used, and documented by many others. My hypothesis is that many of us do not do this (frequently enough) because our ego could feel threatened, or we do not want to be a burden.
Putting it into action just takes a bit of humble pie.
It is a simple four-part formula:
1. Having the self-awareness to know you’re over your skis AND/OR understanding we all have blind spots.
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2. Having the modesty and vulnerability to ask others for help.
3. Work with expert colleagues to answer your questions, be a sounding board, and create strategy.
4. Go Execute.
Asking for help can be hard but is a superpower.
It’s a similar concept to what Brene Brown described as the “Power of Vulnerability”. Asking for help from others is a sign of strength and not weakness. Opening up and sharing your questions and thoughts helps cultivate better relationships. Learning from others gives us the opportunity to find our blind spots, enhance creativity and innovation; especially when there is varying viewpoints.
In my case, I have been working with new colleagues or colleagues I was friendly with but maybe did not know so well. The result has been amazing growth in these relationships, a more comprehensive understanding of situations at hand and a more thorough strategy.
My recommendation to younger professionals would be try to reflect on where you are struggling and learn when you need help. Know when you are over your skis. Let yourself be vulnerable and admit some guidance would be beneficial. Triangulate with a couple of colleagues, especially ones you want to grow relationships with. Create your strategy. Go out and execute. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Chief Operating Officer @ OneDirect Health Network where we empower people to take charge of the rehab journey by offering innovative products and next level customer service.
3moRyan, thanks for sharing! How are you?
📈 I help CEOs at Eastern U.S. medical device manufacturers grow revenue $25M+/year by leading new product development effectively⚡| Research and Development | Vice President | Innovation | Leadership | Strategy |
10moGreat post, Ryan LeBlanc! Did you explicitly ask for help, or was your focus on reaching out beyond your closest colleagues?
Healthcare Product Manager/ Healthcare Strategy
11moAgreed, asking for help can be perceived by one as a sign of weakness and self doubt. But , what it truly is , a sign of courage, willingness to be vulnerable, reflect and identify gaps in oneself and work towards bridging those gaps. It's the first step towards self improvement!
Spine surgeon using Machine Learning to transform patient symptoms into triage & predictive diagnostics.
12moSpot on ! Thank you for your help
Healthcare innovator with significant experience in modality technology and strategic market identification.
12moAs always, insightful provacotive and meaningful, RLB. The courage to share makes you the leader (person) you often describe. Cheers to you and a future of growth with relatuonships at the center. Happy New Year!