SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
July/August 2005
Notes from the Diary of an Avid HBA Volunteer
Britta Herlitz
President, Herlitz HealthCare: A Communications Co.
Outgoing Editor, HBA Bulletin
This is my last issue as Editor of the HBA Bulletin, but it will not be my last moment of active interest in this publication or in the Association which has contributed so much to this industry and to the professional lives of thousands of women in healthcare. Being an HBA volunteer has taught me a lot. It has, in fact, given me “required experience for a healthy career.” In keeping with the HBA’s mission of furthering the advancement of women in the healthcare industry, I’d like to share some of the wisdom I’ve gained as an HBA volunteer since 1997, when I started as Promotions Committee Chair.
● Getting Involved is Easy:
The HBA welcomes all those eager to contribute. Pick up the phone, reach out to a committee chair and take advantage of the opportunity to mix, mingle, work with and learn from the best.
● Volunteerism is Fun, but it’s a Job:
Think of this as a “volunteer career” instead of as “just a volunteer thing.” Diminishing the importance of your volunteer work will naturally diminish your commitment to it and could even detract from your professional reputation if you do a lackluster job. Commit to excellence in your volunteer career just as you have in your profession.
● Do More, Get More (But Don’t Over Promise):
The more you put into your volunteer career, the more you’ll get out of it (and the more things you’ll be asked to do!) So, go for it but be REALISTIC about what you can do and don’t over promise.
● Seize the Opportunity to Network and Mentor:
Volunteering with the HBA allowed me to meet many women with great insight, experience and high-level connections. I used these wisely and well. Don’t abuse the privilege, but do recognize it. You can give back by mentoring those individuals who seek your help and guidance.
● Vive la Difference!
Just as in business, your volunteer encounters can be rife with personality differences and politics (not all bad). Remember this rule of thumb: Don’t take it personally; do take it professionally. Behave appropriately rather than emotionally (try not to “vent”). Respond in a way that best supports the organization as a whole and, rather than stressing about them, enjoy the differences you find and learn from the discussions.
● Respect the Hierarchy: Any well run volunteer group has a defined hierarchy. Respect the chain of command. Don’t circumvent it because it is a volunteer-based group.
● Teamwork is the Only Way:
Acting as a mutually supportive teammate, rather than holding too tightly to your volunteer turf is more productive and fun in the long-run. Just as in business, shortsightedness and a closed mind lead to deadlock, squash productivity and put a damper on the creative, giving, eager spirit that fuels most volunteers.
● Recognize Burnout and Speak Up:
Volunteer burnout is very common. Don’t despair. Decide what you need to do to re-energize (get help; switch committees; take a break…) and then act on it via the appropriate channels.
● Moving on Doesn’t Mean Moving Out:
Even if you decide to stop volunteering for a while, try to remain at least peripherally involved/ supportive.
● Transition in a Professional Manner:
Again, think of this as a career— don’t just leave without a clear transition plan and support for your successor.
● Enjoy the Best Times:
Some of my favorite memories are from working with the HBA. I had the opportunity to interview such amazing women as WOTY honorees Tamar Howson, Myrtle Potter and Carrie Cox; to learn from such incredible HBA Presidents as Sharon Callahan, Charlene Prounis, Jean Sharp (who is a mentor and who is responsible for getting me involved with the HBA), Sylvia Reitman, Mary Cobb, Nancy Larsen, Teri Cox (another mentor), Daria Blackwell and Barbara Pritchard - all of whom have different styles but who brought uniquely valuable strengths to the Association as a whole and to me as one of its volunteers. What I learned from these women has affected who I am as a person and a professional - for the better! I also have made lifelong friends and forged alliances with new colleagues, including the HBA’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Ilyssa Levins, the Bulletin’s new Co-Editors Carol Sardinha and Margaret Gardner, Contributing Editors Kim Rowe and Wendy Hauser, Art Director DeborahAnne Chingas Sandke, Managing Editor and Past HBA President, Joanne Tanzi, my former Co-Editor, Rosemary Azzaro and Executive Director, Carol Davis- Grossman and her team at The Charles Group. Finally, I have connected with you, our readers. I hope the relationship has been mutually beneficial. Thank you all.