Five Traits You Need to Get to the Top

"Phil" has been involved in healthcare for more than 15 years. He began as an EMT-Basic working for a small private ambulance company and pursued his dream of becoming a paramedic. Midway through his paramedic school, the ambulance company he worked for was sold, and Phil was out of a job. Still driven to obtain his paramedic certification, and despite the job loss, he made some decisions to "make it happen." He moved to a smaller apartment closer to school, sold his vehicle for a more economical model, and eliminated any extra social spending. He also found himself studying more than in the past. While he realized he had more time to study due to his job loss, he also found himself more driven than before to successfully complete school.

Within six months Phil successfully completed paramedic school and had a job lined up with a large ambulance service in a nearby city. He worked a variety of shifts during his first few years with the company and was considered a star performer. When a supervisor slot opened, Phil applied. While he was considered by many a likely fit, he was not selected for the position.

Unscathed, Phil continued to work as a paramedic and began to teach classes at the local community college. Phil's classes soon earned him a reputation for being academically challenging while being very realistic and energizing. Waiting lists developed for his courses. Phil was having a blast working as a paramedic and teaching on the side. He considered things to be going very well.

Then Phil was involved in a serious automobile collision. He sustained a broken leg and ribs, and had a closed head injury. Following a brief hospitalization, Phil began the recovery process. Due to wearing a cast and being on crutches, he was not able to work in the field as a paramedic. He was offered a light-duty job teaching continuing education courses for the ambulance company. He accepted and began teaching on a full-time basis. While Phil missed working in the field, he found he was really enjoying teaching.

Phil continued to teach courses for the ambulance company and also taught on his days off at the community college. Witnessing the waiting lists for his classes, the hiring manager at the college recognized that Phil had a unique talent for teaching and asked if he would be interested in applying for a new faculty position. Phil applied and landed the job. Once he recovered from his injuries, he resumed part-time paramedic shifts. Life was good.

Over the next several years Phil continued to teach on a full-time basis and work in the field as well. The program director at the community college retired, and Phil was selected to become the new director. He and his staff developed some new and innovative programs for the college. The program Phil oversaw received academic awards for innovation. Phil's career had reached a new high.

This story describes the success one individual achieved in his career. It also highlights a few characteristics that helped make it happen. Despite some major setbacks and challenges, Phil was consistently able to recover and succeed. A key aspect to his success was his passion. He knew, or at least had a good idea of, what he wanted to do in his career, and he pursued it with energy.

What are the traits that helped Phil develop a successful career despite the series of roadblocks he encountered? Embrace these, and you will improve your own prospects as well.

1) Energy: The ability to arrive at work with positive energy to get the job done is significant. While everyone has a bad day from time to time, the individual with an exceptional energy level stands out. Phil was able to transition through some challenges, but his performance still stood out.

2) Motivation: The motivation to succeed despite obstacles is important. Phil survived a serious car accident and had to recover. Once he recovered, his performance continued to excel. He also recognized that the more motivated he was, the more it supported his energy level, and vice versa.

3) Big picture: The ability to maintain a realistic big picture while taking care of today’s job tasks is critical. Throughout Phil's career he was successful managing the calls and projects he was assigned. He also remained open to new opportunities and actively pursued new assignments. Phil realized that today is but a "snapshot" in time, and that the big picture spans years.

4) Flexibility: In addition to being motivated and having the energy to go the extra mile, Phil remained flexible. This was essential to his personal and professional success. Following a job loss and injuries, he was able to successfully adapt to a new situation. Had Phil not been able to achieve this, his personal and professional success may not have followed.

5) Passion: Early in his career Phil recognized that he had a passion for healthcare. As he transitioned through his EMT and paramedic positions, he also developed a passion for education. Phil recognized that his energy level and motivation fed his passion for success in his position. He found his niche, and it energized him.

Throughout his career Phil recognized that there were key aspects of his life that influenced him both personally and professionally. While many of these were out of his control, there were aspects that weren't. His ability to successfully manage what he could allowed him opportunities for growth and development. The ability to recognize and respond to opportunities as they arise is often a key to personal and professional growth and success.

Phil's situation is not necessarily unique, but it demonstrates how a person may grow into a leadership position over time. Consider how the positive traits he exhibited could apply to your career as well.

Paul Murphy, MA, MSHA, has administrative and clinical experience in healthcare organizations.