Dobies Healthcare Group started in 1992 with the goal of creating healthier brands for our clients. Twenty-five years later, we are proud to serve as a thought leader and trusted strategic consult in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
Over the years, I have identified attributes that have allowed our firm to succeed. These are integral not only to leading a successful business, but also to living a fulfilling life. As a business owner, I have found authenticity—that space where our words and actions intersect—to be indispensable. Following are five key attributes for leading and living with authenticity.
1. Be curious. Curiosity solves problems. It sparks our imagination and feeds our ingenuity.
Changes in the healthcare industry are occurring at a stunning pace. Key to staying abreast of developments and answering the most vexing questions is having deliberate and boundless curiosity. One of our most valuable business tools is the seemingly simply question: “Why?” Ask it again and again. It will help you identify the problems worth solving. Follow it with “So what?” What is the significance of what you learned? Did you identify a new strength or opportunity? Did you discover a differentiator? This is the compelling part of your story.
Step out of your comfort zone. Be bold. Dare to ask the hard questions. You may unearth a hidden gem.
2. Be purposeful. Purpose provides you with a specific place to go and a way to get there.
Our firm’s purpose is to make a difference in how people think about health. In 1992, my goal was to take healthcare marketing to the next level by delivering creative work based on sound strategic principles. Our work communicated our customers’ brand promises and conveyed authenticity. Leading with strategy continues to be our purpose. It differentiates us and drives our work.
Discover your purpose. Articulate it, make it your promise and pursue it relentlessly.
3. Be absolute. Conviction in your purpose keeps your batteries charged. It assures you are on the right path and your direction is true.
In a world of large, big-box consulting houses and agencies, I used to be distracted by the fact that our firm was smaller than some of our competitors. I came to realize size does matter, but not in the way I expected. From the outset, I built a virtual network of exceptionally smart and talented professionals whose advice and counsel I respected. This virtual business model showed promise. I became confident that as a boutique firm we would have as much firepower—if not more—than our larger competitors. This has proven true. Our team of accomplished strategic and marketing professionals, coupled with a network of highly skilled independent associates, means we bring only A-team players to the table. We are agile and quick. We never lose sight of our mission; we live and breathe it every day. All of this translates to better results for our clients.
Lead with confidence. Be absolute in your convictions, and be confident in your direction.
4. Be passionate. Passion generates emotion and intensity. It creates energy that is palpable and contagious. It feeds your mission and gives you staying power.
From the beginning, our purpose was to deliver decisive results for our customers. As our firm grew, it became evident that we were making an impact far beyond our original intentions. We were working for a greater good—to help people make better and more informed health decisions, leading to more fulfilling and productive lives. The power of that realization was significant. This became our passion and our mission. It motivates and inspires us every day.
Find your passion and evangelize it. Infuse it in your mission and make it the essence of your culture.
5. Be open to possibilities. #ToutEstPossible –it means everything is possible. At Dobies Healthcare Group, we believe this to be true.
As we embarked on our 25th year this month, we paused to affirm our business plans and strategies, to validate our direction and purpose. We challenged ourselves to think beyond what is plausible to what is possible. This created a stark moment of clarity. Our mindset shifted. We discovered that everything is possible because we are unwavering in our mission and certain in our strategies.
Be authentic in work and life. Lead and live with curiosity, conviction, passion and purpose, and everything is possible.
Ambitious goals are more achievable when others share your purpose and passion. I am thankful for the bright, enthusiastic and dedicated individuals—mentors, staff and clients—whose advice and support are a continuous source of inspiration
