I just left a CEO position with one of the larger for-profit hospital companies in the country. I was only with them for 3 years and I think I can say with confidence that both of us are happy I'm gone. A headhunter asked me yesterday, "What did you like about working for Company X?" My immediate reaction was to say something snappy like "Not much" but as I responded I found there was alot I like about my experience: The people I worked with, the location of the hospital, what I learned in 3 years, the connections I made, the people we helped.
Another interesting thing about the experience: The hospital changed hands 3 times in the 2.5 years I was there. I was heavily recruited by original owner Company V...they were supportive but gave me the authority to make changes, they trusted my experience & instinct, and we achieved excellent results. For a few months there I was a regular healthcare rock star.
About a year after joining, Company V bought Company W, the original V leadership group that had recruited me left and I now reported to W leadership. Totally different style, agenda, and strategy...I un-learned the "V" way and learned the "W" way. And almost 9 months later, the entire company was bought by Company X...and another 180-degree change in focus. And 90 days later, X and I parted company.
What's the positive? Well, in the course of 2.5 years, I worked for 3 of the biggest names in the business. I went to school on 3 completely different yet equally successful business models. I learned new technical systems like patient accounting and marketing systems. And I met alot of great people. I'm a better CEO for the experience.
It occurs to me that jobs are alot like girlfriends: You learn something from every one of them, even the ones that turn out bad. Margaret Ann taught me about Led Zepplin...before dumping me for her ex. Harriet showed me the backstage at Disney where she worked...before she started dating the guitar player from the Disney band. Alina taught me the magic of LSU football...and I married her.
Charter Medical taught me volume cures all ills. OhioHealth taught me that innovation creates opportunity. Baton Rouge General taught me an organization should stick with their core mission and when you forget that, trouble awaits. River Parishes taught me to not let your medical staff get too far ahead of you. Triumph Healthcare taught me Speed + Execution = Results.
So as I start a new position on Monday, I won't burn my bridges behind me, forgetting everything except the memory of the smell of smoke and the impression that once my eyes watered. Instead I'll remember what I learned from each of my former employers and use it to foster success in my new "relationship..."
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