3 Mistakes that Kept me Invisible as a Health Professional and Change Leader

"As health professionals, we often mistake humility with invisibility and as a result miss the opportunity to shape the healthcare system." - Dr Dena van den Bergh

Too often I meet talented, already accomplished health professionals who feel invisible, unappreciated, and frustrated in their careers and dreams. They have big ideas and dreams, but struggle to turn them into reality. 

Cards on the table: I used to be one of them!

It’s easy to blame outside circumstances, when the truth is we have the power to radically transform our careers through becoming aware and taking ownership of the real ways we sabotage ourselves. 

So here are three mistakes I used to make as a health professional and change leader that kept me small and hidden from bigger opportunities, impact in the health system, and recognition for my work. Plus the mindset shift that was a game changer for me!

Story time…

Not Highlighting My Personal Leadership

1. I started a medicines information newsletter at the first hospital I worked in. 

It required that I spend hours after work at the university library scanning the latest medical journals for studies and research relevant to our health professionals. (Yes it was in the pre-electronic era😅)

I compiled each study or review into short summaries and related them to the issues and practices in our hospital. I did the 4 page layout myself and had copies made for distribution.

So what’s the mistake? I did not put my name on it! 

Instead I gave it a generic name and made it seem as if it was compiled by a team of us.

Failing To Showcase The Work

2. I initiated new systems and practices to improve medication safety, create efficiency and reduce infection risks but never kept any data or shared the story with my managers. Mistake number 2!

I told myself there was no time, when it was exactly what was needed to justify getting more time for that work. 

Playing It Small And Holding Back My Ideas

3. I grabbed the opportunity to join an early morning (6am) multidisciplinary ward round with a vascular surgeon and an amazing nurse leader, Sibongile Mcunu. 

The surgeon grunted a half greeting every morning and instead of standing in confidence of my value, I hid behind my notes for months before I introduced myself properly and could communicate my ideas.

In this last case, I managed to turn the situation around and the initially unfriendly surgeon became an advocate with hospitals management to permit more multidisciplinary rounds which is still rare in the private sector in SA.

The Difference Between Humility And Invisibility

As health professionals, we often mistake humility with invisibility and as a result miss the opportunity to shape the healthcare system. 

I still cringe at some of my stories, because if only someone had helped me see earlier that it was okay to stand out and own the value of my work. 

I wish I’d realised that this doesn’t only benefit me, but also benefits the whole system with the work I’m able to do on a bigger stage. Once we embrace this mindset shift, everything changes.

If you’re looking for permission to step into the light, give it to yourself now!

What are some mistakes you’ve made that kept you invisible as a health professional? Let me know in the comments below.