Knox's Blog

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I here?” What about, “What is my role at Inova?” Or, “Am I living my full potential?”

Potential can be viewed as a feeling – a feeling of adequacy and satisfaction of a job well done. It’s a feeling that is so much better when shared. You know how when you complete a project or come up with a great idea you can’t wait to tell someone? Who is your “someone?” Probably a combination of your biggest supporters and someone who understands. And this is a different group each time depending on the project.

And when you have a great “someone” around you, it’s much easier to accomplish projects and tackle new ideas. I know that when I rely only on my viewpoint and ideas, that’s all I get – my limited perspective. But if I gather a handful of folks around the table and ask for input and help, horizons are broadened. I am presented with ideas I wouldn’t have thought of and I’m given the opportunity to make my original goal even better.

While rounding at Fairfax several months ago, a nurse in the Women and Children’s building commented that the team environment makes a huge difference in terms of feeling like work has purpose because folks feel that they’re part of a larger community. She said that folks generally stick around because they like the people they work with and that is why she has stayed.

A great team can make all the difference. For just about every goal or idea someone has, there’s been someone who has either done it, knows something about it or is thinking about doing it. I try to learn from those around me, try new things, push my boundaries and assume there is a better way. If we all use our unique talents on a daily basis to make a difference, we can all take the leap into the great scary idea of  change together, as a team, with the confidence of a great future ahead.

So, back to the question of “Am I living my full potential?” I think for me, it’s being willing to push myself into areas that make me uncomfortable. It’s being willing to acknowledge that mistakes are okay because at least I am trying. So when I get anxious about the future, I remind myself that our real progress is created by our inner strength and so long as we support each other, we’ll be able to keep up with this ever changing world. Potential is created by combining talent, excitement and the courage of being willing to face the unknown, because of knowing that I have a great team at my side.  Buckle up and live your potential!

I’d like to hear your stories.  How do you know when you’re living your full potential?

What a fine day it was for a picnic! As you can see by the photos, many system folks came outside for a few hours of fun and fellowship. As I walked around chatting with people, I couldn’t help but think of the (in)famous Gallup question, “Do you have a best friend at work?” Whenever I’m able to break away from my routines and take a few moments to socialize with others, I always walk away uplifted.

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A friend of mine who has a very isolated office at one of our hospitals shared the same sentiment. She said that whenever she really needs a pick-me-up, she walks from one end of the campus and back again. By the time she returns, she’s typically chatted or at least exchanged “hellos” with ten or so people. She then returns to her desk feeling just a bit more connected and valued.

Quint Studer talks about “purpose, worthwhile work and making a difference,” and that organizations can create momentum for change by engaging the passion of everyone. I was reminded of the importance of taking a break and spending time with others as I enjoyed a bite to eat, watched folks cake walk, have caricatures drawn and chat up a storm with neighbors.

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of our very busy lives we forget to take that moment to breathe and remember the importance of recharging our own batteries so we can better serve our community. Since we are the only ones who can manage our own morale, I encourage everyone to look for the opportunities in your facility to spend a few moments with your friends.