By Jonathan Winnegrad, ABO-AC, NCLE-AC
I have seen opticians near and dear to me self-sabotage their careers in a manner that reminds me of Brittney Spears during the summer of 2009. Comparing opticians who self-sabotage their careers to Britney Spears' antics is like seeing a pair of glasses with wobbly frames—there's a risk of everything going askew! Just as Britney had her fair share of "Oops! I Did It Again" moments, these opticians might find themselves in their own version of a career remix. Whether they're burning important bridges, resisting change, ignoring professional ethics, low EQ and neglecting networking.
Opticians, like professionals in any field, can inadvertently sabotage their careers through various actions or behaviors. Here are five common ways:
- Burning Important Bridges: Sometimes opticians leave for another job but do it poorly. They create their own disadvantage. Eye Care is the biggest small world in the world. It might feel great telling your employer how you “really feel,” but how will that work out when you go to work with a doctor across town who is very close to them, and they reach out for a reference? In what way does it make sense not to work out your notice when you are working for a company with 4000 offices?
- Low EQ: Effective communication is essential in the healthcare industry, and opticians are no exception. Failing to communicate clearly with patients, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals can lead to misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, and compromised patient care. Sometimes people feel like the whole world is against them when they just need to walk over to the mirror to find the culprit. How do people feel when you speak to them? How do you treat your patients, colleagues, and team? Do you come across as someone listening to understand, or are you listening to pridefully talk over others with your important ideas?
- Ignoring Professional Ethics: Ethical lapses can have severe consequences for opticians. This might include breaching patient confidentiality, engaging in unethical sales practices, or failure to comply with your state’s guidelines and laws. Maintaining high ethical standards is crucial for preserving trust and credibility in the profession. Nobody is above the law. If something is out of your scope of practice Don’t Do It! Stampeding over professional ethics will burn and leave a mark.
- Resistance to Change: The field of eye care is continually evolving, with new technologies, procedures, and best practices emerging regularly. Opticians who resist change and cling to outdated methods or equipment may find themselves outpaced by competitors who embrace innovation. Adaptability is key to long-term success in any career. The amount of phone calls that I get with people complaining about a new type of equipment, online killing business, and customers being harder to convert in today's landscape is crazy! In the eye care business, there are two choices - evolve or die.
- Neglecting Networking: Building and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, patients, and industry contacts is vital for career advancement. Opticians who neglect networking opportunities or fail to cultivate strong professional relationships may miss out on valuable career opportunities, referrals, and support networks. Remember the old saying about the turtle on the fence post not getting there alone! Anything good that I have experienced in my career growth has always been the result of direct or indirect mentoring, networking, and realizing that I am far from the smartest person in the room.
It is not my intent to be harsh towards anybody (Brittney Spears included). It genuinely grieves me when I see multiple opticians who I care about getting in the way of their own careers. Don’t self-sabotage!
