Dear Readers:
Thank you for your steadfast connection to your professional Medical Affairs community through reading, supporting, and contributing to The MSL Journal. Your investment in learning, growing, and developing, as well as giving back to others through sharing your articles, makes this publication so valuable in an era where showing value is vital now more than ever!
I want to take a moment to explore and underscore how important it is to have a strong sense of purpose in what we do each day, as this purpose propels us to bring elevated value demonstration. We know how important it is to demonstrate value, and at times, long work days may drain our energy as we push harder each day to stay focused, relevant, and impactful. If you ever doubt your worth or feel drained, it is important to pause and ensure you give yourself credit for all you do. Take time to consider how your purpose connects to the work you do each day.
Oftentimes, we get so busy that we lose sight of shifting strategic imperatives and the need to stay aligned with the business focus. After all, much planning goes into our efforts, and it may take months or more to begin to see the full effect of the work we are doing in the field. Connecting your strong sense of purpose in work requires aligning to medical strategy, ensuring tasks are in sync with your core values, establishing meaningful goals, and knowing how your work contributes to organizational value and impact.
Some ways you can keep your beacon of light focused on purpose that propels you forward (and does not paralyze or overwhelm you) include:
- Take time to understand your values and how they align with work initiatives. Reflect on what truly matters to you and what you aim to deliver; what work and results bring a spark of joy and fulfillment that recharges your battery for the next big lift! Be intentional about the work you choose to do and how you prioritize activities. If misalignment in your current role persists, it may be time to move on to something new and invigorating! There is such a variety of roles in Medical Affairs today!
- Take time to set meaningful goals and be laser-focused on how your actions lead to impact. Don’t just focus on achieving targets, but rather set goals that resonate with your values and contribute to the larger organizational needs. Seek to understand how your efforts connect with and impact others around you, which elevates meaning and motivation. Celebrate achievements, whether small or large, that align with your purpose – your WHY – in terms of what you do and how it makes a difference.
- Take time to foster an environment that is supportive by talking with others about your plans, goals, and how you believe your efforts will deliver value. In talking with others, we learn more about the interconnectedness of our own work and how what we do matters to others. Reach out to others on your team – both MSLs, leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders and engage them regularly, building positive relationships and a sense of belonging. These connections also foster growth and learning about others’ roles, goals, and work.
- Take time to reflect and adapt your plans. Assess whether your plans and efforts continue to align with medical strategy and your purpose. Make adjustments intentionally and lean into change; change is not the enemy. In fact, change brings opportunities, builds your flexible, nimble attitude, and helps others see change in a positive light. Embrace challenges and even setbacks because we learn more and grow in these times. It is an opportunity to refine and redefine our sense of purpose.
To sum it all up: Purpose is not just doing work or checking items off our to-do list. It is about finding true meaning and the spirit of connection to what we do that drives us forward. The benefits of a strong sense of purpose include being more motivated, engaged, and productive. We are more likely to achieve the things we aim for and deliver value when we feel the purpose in our work. The MSL Society is your place to connect with peers and leaders in Medical Affairs. If you are looking for a stronger purpose in what you do each day, reach out to your community, get involved in mentorship, and share your ideas through writing articles. Take an active role in your profession.
As many prepare for summer vacations, it is a worthwhile time to take a break, perhaps on a beach chair or hammock, to reflect on how your sense of purpose helps you deliver value and areas where you need support. I hope these tips help guide you towards your purpose and elevate impact in all you are doing!
Enjoy the array of topics in this issue of the journal, and I hope you find pearls that strengthen your purpose through the variety of topics, from career development to strategic focus, use of technology and AI to enhance efficiency, and digging deeper into KPIs and value demonstration. This edition of the journal has something for everyone!
Cheers and happy reading in the summer sun!
Cherie Hyder
About the authors:
Cherie Hyder, PharmD, MSL-BC
Have an opinion on this article? Send a message to the editor.