Two decades ago, I encountered a thought-provoking statement in a book about sales and entrepreneurship, which has stuck with me ever since.
The book asserted that a doctor’s secretary could be the determining factor for their success or failure. Initially, I found this idea difficult to comprehend, as I was convinced that a skilled and devoted surgeon would naturally prosper based solely on their abilities.
Nevertheless, as time passed and I engaged with numerous surgeons, I started to comprehend the truth behind this assertion.
Surgeons often place immense trust in their secretaries, who serve as the gatekeepers of their practices. These secretaries are responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and addressing patient inquiries.
While it is crucial for surgeons to have a reliable office manager, they may be unaware of the extent to which their secretary holds power over their careers.
Psychological Factors
Various psychological factors may influence the secretary’s behavior, such as jealousy and the quest for control.
Female Secretaries and Female Surgeons
Female secretaries working for female surgeons may harbor feelings of envy and bitterness toward their employer’s successful career. In these situations, the secretary might find gratification in covertly controlling the surgeon’s practice, vicariously experiencing her accomplishments.
Male Surgeons and Female Secretaries
In the case of male surgeons, the secretary may feel empowered by possessing the keys to potential opportunities, assessing how these prospects affect her position before deciding whether her employer should be informed.
Craving for Control
This craving for control and the excitement of exercising power can prompt secretaries to make decisions that hinder their bosses’ career progression. They may intentionally withhold information about new products, services, or opportunities that would be advantageous to the practice.
This conduct is frequently driven by an aversion to change and a preference for maintaining the status quo. If the surgeon’s career advances, the secretary might be compelled to adapt to new challenges, which they may not be prepared to face.
Examples of Jealousy Manifestations
For instance, a secretary might become jealous when their employer receives accolades, promotions, or other professional recognition.
This jealousy could manifest in several ways, ultimately affecting the surgeon’s career:
Sabotaging communication:
A secretary may “forget” to relay important messages, causing the surgeon to miss crucial meetings or networking opportunities. This could lead to a loss of potential partnerships, referrals, or collaborations.Damaging reputation:
The secretary could spread false rumors or gossip about the surgeon, leading to a tarnished reputation among colleagues and patients. This mayresult in reduced patient bookings and professional isolation.Hindered professional development:
The secretary might withhold information about relevant conferences, workshops, or training courses. Consequently, the surgeon may miss out on opportunities to expand their skill set and stay current in their field.Manipulating patient appointments:
A jealous secretary could purposely schedule appointments in an inconvenient manner, resulting in double bookings or excessive wait times. This can lead to dissatisfied patients and a decline in practice reputation.
Evaluating Secretary Performance
In order to safeguard your career, I urge you to periodically evaluate your secretary’s performance and decision-making.
You might consider calling your office while posing as a patient to gauge the level of service offered or soliciting feedback from patients regarding their interactions with your secretary.
By taking these proactive measures, you can retain control over your career and guarantee your practice’s continuous growth and success.
Safeguarding Your Career
Although your secretary plays a vital role in your practice, it is essential to stay alert and recognize the potential dangers that may arise from the psychological motives driving their behavior.
By acknowledging the power dynamics at play and taking measures to monitor your secretary’s performance, you can defend your career and ensure the prosperity of your practice.
“Feel free to casually share this article with that colleague you totally don’t suspect is being held hostage or stifled by their secretary’s antics. 😉”
