The comfort zone is relevant to almost all aspects of one’s life. As is stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you always stay in your comfort zone, then, basically, that’s as good as its going to get. Is your professional growth stifled if you stay in the comfort zone?
This is an important question to consider. Over the 25 years that I have been recruiting, I have seen an interesting phenomena. When evaluating new opportunities, many times doctors choose a hospital that is very similar to their previous hospital, with the same concerns, same environment, same culture… And why is that? It is because it is what they are used to. It is in their comfort zone. And without even realizing it, they find themselves in a very similar situation. With the same frustrations.
When a veterinarian is considering new career opportunities, it is so important to take a hard look at their past experiences and why they were not thriving in those environments. I do not believe that a situation is one-sided, there are always 2 sides and the truth is typically somewhere in the middle. So, yes, it is important to take responsibility for those areas where you could improve.
Here are some questions to ask yourself and to answer – with no judgement.
- What were the biggest challenges in your last position?
- What was the most rewarding aspect?
- Were your expectations defined, and did hospital management define their expectations of you before you signed the employment agreement?
- Did you grow as a veterinarian in this position? Why or why not?
- Did the leadership style support you as a doctor?
- Did you thrive in the culture?
- Were you in line with the core values and mission statement?
- Did you receive the mentorship, if needed?
- Were you able to communicate with colleagues, management, staff, and clients?
- Where could you have made changes that would have improved the experience?
- How did you receive feedback?
- Where do you want to be in 3 years? 5 years?
Once you have answered these questions, analyze how and where you are staying in your comfort zone. If you want different results, then you must do something different.
Step outside of your comfort zone. Grow. Thrive. And make your impact on the world!
If I can help you find and evaluate new opportunities, let me know!