Staying Relevant Through Self-advocacy

It’s funny how ordinary moments and everyday occurrences are often the surprising conductors of inspiration. Recently I attended my youngest son’s high school orientation. The presentation, designed to help acclimate new students and set expectations for what the next four years will bring, focused heavily on the theme of self-advocacy.

Initially, I found this approach curious. I had assumed the focus would be on the expectations, rigors, defining the specific metrics necessary for success and laying a clear path forward. But in listening to what they had to say it made sense. Borrowing from the adage, rather than giving them a fish today, they were giving them fishing poles so they could feed themselves for a lifetime.

Rarely an ingrained skill, self-advocacy is pivotal to success. It is the ability to speak up for yourself and make decisions, learning how to gain knowledge and problem solve, finding support when you need help and friendship, and learning about self-determination. 

The ability to articulate one’s needs, make informed decisions designed to improve, change or transform quality of our life enables us to be the captain of our ship. 

As a company of Security Professionals, we are collectively invested in improving the lives of others by creating safe, secure environments for our clients. We are safety and security advocates for clients, their guests, children and communities. However, it is important to remember, advocacy does not mean self-sacrifice. Similar to how before taking off on an airplane, the flight attendants will instruct you that in the event of an emergency you should put the oxygen mask on yourself first before assisting others. You can’t help others when you are passed out on the floor.

During the presentation, I was reminded of my colleague Henry Portillo, the Account Manager for one of our healthcare clients. He is a prime example of how through asking and seeking the help he needed to do his job was a catalyst for his professional growth in our organization but has also enabled him to be a more powerful advocate for our clients.

When I first met Henry many years ago, I didn’t think he would last. Certainly, he was a hard worker and appeared eager to learn. Unfortunately, his supervisor at the time did not teach--he directed. In turn, Henry was not taught and did not receive what he needed to grow professionally.

A dedicated and a committed employee, Henry stuck around and as things sometimes happen, he eventually found himself promoted to his previous supervisors’ role.  Suddenly he was managing the security program for a large hospital and he was in a bit over his head.  

Recognizing he was struggling, Henry asked for help. He understood that to better serve our client he needed to seek guidance and discover strategies that would help him succeed in his new role.

In stepped Shannon McDougall, Regional Director, Healthcare Operations to serve as a mentor. Rather than perceiving Henry as a failure she asked, “What are we doing to make certain our managers are successful at their job?” Shannon teamed up with the client, Rudy Jimenez and together they charted a path that would facilitate Henry’s professional growth and ensure he had the necessary skills to effectively do his job. Colleagues were engaged who shared their experiences and served as sounding boards for questions. Coaching sessions were established. Goals were set and he was taught what he needed to be successful. For his part, Henry grabbed hold, learned and adapted.

Recently, Henry went through his first accreditation survey where the surveyors scrutinized his security program. Henry knew he was prepared. The surveyors asked him questions he expected as well as some he was not expecting. Rather than stumble over the unexpected, Henry used it as opportunity to expand and brag about his program. He shared his journey, his successes, his challenges and concerns. He also explained his strategies to continually improve and goals for excellence. Henry demonstrated to the surveyors that he is deeply invested in the success of his program.  

Afterwards, Henry shared, “this was an experience like no other--expect the unexpected, be ready to be taken out of your comfort zone and be challenged, but overall stay focused, and as long as you know what you know, you'll do fine.”

Well put! Acknowledging short comings, learning from mistakes and constantly seeking avenues and means to improve and evolve is the way and means to continuous success. And continuous success is how you provide value – thus staying relevant.

About the Author

Mike Dunning, CEM, CHPA

Sr. Director, Healthcare

As the Senior Director of Healthcare Operations, Mike is responsible for the oversight of all Allied Universal healthcare account operations to include serving as the subject matter expert for security in a healthcare environment.  Mike’s experience includes over 20 years of management in the security field with over 14 years specific to healthcare and he holds multiple board certifications in security, healthcare security and emergency management.