Saying ‘no’ is not a weakness for ophthalmologists
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Key takeaways:
- Ophthalmologists must be willing to turn down extra responsibilities when necessary to ensure long-term success.
- It is possible to say “no” without compromising future opportunities.
For ophthalmologists, saying “no” is not a weakness but an important step for long-term success, according to a presentation at Real World Ophthalmology.
It is easy for ophthalmologists to overbook themselves due to a fear of closing the door on future opportunities, which may affect their ability to set proper boundaries and cause the quality of their work to suffer, Michael Greenwood, MD, of Vance Thompson Vision, said.
“Saying ‘no’ is not about shutting down opportunities but about preserving focus, energy and long-term potential,” he said.
To guide their decisions on what responsibilities to take on, Greenwood encouraged ophthalmologists to set specific personal and professional goals each year.
“Now you’ve got this road map of where you want to go, and so you do things that help you attain those goals and maybe don’t do the things that are going to distract you from those goals,” he said.
In addition, sometimes saying “not yet” can be just as powerful as saying “no.” This will help develop a clearer picture of whether taking on a new responsibility will help ophthalmologists reach their goals or add an unnecessary burden. It will also help mitigate the chance of permanently shutting the door on a future opportunity, according to Greenwood.
Lastly, when declining a chance to take on a responsibility, it is important to do so with diplomacy.
“Turning down an opportunity can actually strengthen your reputation if it’s done thoughtfully,” Greenwood said.
Offering an alternative way to assist or recommending a younger colleague for a task may help solve the problem while providing someone else with an opportunity.
“A well-timed ‘no’ can lead to even greater opportunities down the road,” he said. “Remember that saying ‘no’ wisely is a strength and not a weakness, and it sets the stage for future success. So, keep your focus sharp, just like your vision.”
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Greenwood M. Saying “no” while retaining opportunities. Presented at: Real World Ophthalmology; Sept. 28, 2024 (virtual meeting).
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