| Viewpoint from the Editor |

Training makes me smile

Bruce Mailer, Co-Editor

The subject of this issue’s cover story—staff training—makes me smile. Why? At my company, BSM Consulting, helping our team members consistently get better at what they do is the right thing for ourselves and for our clients. Ultimately, our goal is to keep one step (at least) ahead of the ever-evolving needs and desires of our customers.

Strategically, BSM Consulting sees staff training in two buckets: 1) Mandatory, basic training that ensures every team member is impeccably trained and capable of doing what needs to be done; and 2) advanced leadership training.

While we never scrimp on basic training, we’re judicious with our leadership training funds. However, when we identify our next-generation leaders, we are willing to invest our discretionary training funds in them and in our future.

This begs the question: Do you deserve some of your company’s leadership training funds? As readers of OP, I bet you do. As a business owner, I am happy to spend my valuable advanced training dollars on employees who:

Embrace learning. A strong desire to learn and the ability to retain knowledge say a lot about an individual’s personality and are good indicators of future growth potential, both personally and professionally.

Display initiative. Individuals who carefully analyze and review projects or assignments and ask pertinent questions get noticed. This person likely will incorporate initiative into any leadership role.

Show passion. While not all leaders are type-A personalities, they do need an increased level of passion, effort, and energy to get the job done. A certain amount of internal motivation is necessary to effectively lead and inspire others.

Communicate effectively. The ability to communicate in both directions—up and down the organizational chart—is an essential leadership skill. While an individual may not yet have advanced skills, it is reasonable to project that a person who communicates well will be able to develop this skill further.

Demonstrate loyalty. The long-term employee often has valuable insights and knowledge about the practice and can be an important asset, provided he or she fits the new job requirements.

I hope you enjoy the cover story on staff training—and all the other important topics covered in this issue of Ophthalmic Professional. Now go out there and earn your company’s leadership training dollars! OP

Mr. Maller is the founder and president of BSM Consulting, which provides business management solutions to hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, medical trade associations, physicians, health care personnel, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers across the globe.