By Manny Roman
I have been involved in the healthcare technology management industry for over 43 years. I came on board before the industry had a name. I have been provided the good destiny to serve the industry in many capacities.
My travels have taken me through two manufacturers (OEM), two diagnostic imaging service training organizations, one independent service organization (ISO) and one ISO association. I have had the privilege of participating and conducting presentations at national, regional and local industry shows and conferences.
These, however, are nebulous entities. The real experience, satisfaction and fulfillment has been the people with whom I worked and interacted. This industry is brimming with amazingly caring, dedicated and professional individuals. The people have taught me many things that have made my professional and personal life such a joy. Here is a very short list of the most powerful lessons I have internalized:
We are in a Relationships Business
Establishing long lasting, mutually beneficial and honest relationships is the foundation for productive and favorable business. I was told a long time ago, “People like to do business with people they like to do business with.” The relationship matters.
Communication is KEY
Good communication is a skill which can be learned. It is a relatively simple matter to tell the what, the why, and provide what can be expected as a result. This along with a good, shared feedback process goes a long way to diminish misunderstandings and unrealistic expectation. Emails and texts lack the voice inflections and the nonverbal cues that are a huge part of any message.
Leadership is Influence
Leadership guru John Maxwell states that, “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” “Leadership is one life influencing another, nothing more, nothing less.” To be a great leader, it helps to also be a great follower. Power is earned, and is granted, by those being led.
Personal Reputation Matters
Having a well-defined value system will ensure that your decisions are consistent and within your value system. This will establish an unwavering personal reputation that others can consistently rely upon. It will provide you with peace of mind and satisfaction with your honor system. Your personal reputation is essentially the only thing you can carry with you everywhere.
So … Why am I taking this particular tone in this column? Ruth and I have decided that it is time to hang up my writing instruments and pursue a more relaxed and actual retirement.
We have loved this industry dearly as well as the people who have made it an exciting and fruitful journey. We thank all who have shown us kindness and support through the years.
We especially value the deep friendships that have evolved through our travels. Even though we only saw some of you at shows and conferences, we were received with the warmth and love of long-time friends. We already miss all of you. However, we are not going away. If I may be of assistance let me know (manny.roman@me.com) and I will come out from under the palm tree.
We hope that in some way we have left at least some of you better for having known us as you all have left us better for having known you. Ruth and I wish you all continued success and thank you for making our professional and personal lives a pleasant journey.
Manny Roman, CRES, is association business operations manager at Association of Medical Service Providers.
