Motivation

By Curtis R. Bush, FACHE, MBA, CRA

Fall is upon us, football season is in full swing, the RACC election is ongoing, and Christmas will sneak up on us like it does every year. A few weeks ago I was thinking about Halloween and  trick-or-treating, which caused me to reflect on motivation. I’m sure you wonder how Halloween and motivation are related… it’s the candy. Nobody trick-or-treats for camaraderie or to develop social skills; it’s for the candy.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the RACC commissioner nomination selection committee, and motivation was a consistent theme through the interviews. Also for the last several months, I’ve had the opportunity to do more driving than I’m normally accustomed to and have been listening to some leadership books while in transit – motivation is a constant theme there too.

The motivation to pursue the CRA credential can be internal or external. For most leaders, the desire to succeed, grow, and build strong teams is why we get up and go to work every day. We have the opportunity to impact someone’s life every day, whether it is a patient, colleague, team member, or friend. As a leader, I tend to be driven by  internal motivation. As a CRA and RACC commissioner, the external motivation of validating my knowledge, skills, and abilities through achieving the CRA credential feels a little unusual for me. Having the chance to interview and talk with multiple CRAs about their motivation and promotion of the credential was truly amazing.

Learning, creating, growing, and humility are all things that are built into the mindset of great leaders. Choosing a path that will put you in a position to be successful is dependent upon what steps you take and what motivates you. Are you a leader that is motivated by outward rewards like candy, or are you driven by the opportunity to be a better leader by influencing and impacting others as they grow? AHRA leaders Jason and Angie have challenged the members of AHRA to be audacious and take the next step for both the association and for themselves personally and professionally.

What motivates you and your team? What is the next right step for you? Is it preparing for the CRA exam, seeking a mentor, expanding your current role, or reaching out to a partner in learning? We all have a next step to take, and it’s up to all of us to have the courage and audacity to make it count.

Curtis R. Bush, FACHE, MBA, CRA is the director of imaging services at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX. He can be reached at curt.bush@yahoo.com.