There is a saying in the martial arts world, derived from the wisdom of the great samurai Miyamoto Musashi,
“The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”
I see this same principle hold true in the medical device industry. From the get-go, your learning curve can feel insurmountable – like trying to drink from a firehose. Yet, as a new sales rep you are expected to follow a seemingly simple “See one, do one, teach one.” philosophy. Both of these saying have struck a nerve in me over the years. The approach can feel underwhelming, even lacking actual substance at times, but it’s all part of the journey they say. We learn from copious amounts of literature, technique guides showing a perfectly illustrated world to prepare. When in fact, the best lessons come from observing top surgeons, countless hours in the OR and packing your car to the brim with countless trays. We grapple with uncertainty, learn to respond quickly on our feet, and practice patience on a daily basis. It’s a process of trial and error, punctuated by occasional “Not today, better luck next time” moments.
It’s a path that teaches us to learn complicated processes at a moments notice, but also to be comfortable with some ambiguity. It is hard to figure out where you stand or how far you have come when you are constantly in this type of fast passed environment. But never the less the time will come when it is time to pass the osteotome. It’s important to remember the haphazard start that most of us had. So try taking the time to guide the new entrants, show them the ropes, and lead them towards resources that will ease their journey. It’s our chance to make the path a bit smoother for those who follow. After all, we are not just practitioners learning everyday. If you last long enough you will have to be a teacher as well. Whether you want to or not. These lessons can either be brutal and lack substance in hopes that the trainee is self sufficient enough to survive. Or you can pass on your passion, shaping the future of our industry for the better.
Whatever path you choose to lay someone else is walking it, catching up and bringing their own flavor to the table. This is why I choose to help out whoever and whenever I can. Its the best way to ensure a cohesive relationship even in a competitive industry.
#MusashiMonday #MedSalesLife #LifeLongLearning #IndustryLeadership #Orthopedics #Woundcare #AcceleratedKinetics