Story and Reflection: Mining for Value

Recently, I noticed that a member of our team had quietly pulled back. I knew she had experience—she’d been introduced as someone who had worked with universities, served as a legislative liaison, and helped stand up GME programs. She had consistently offered thoughtful perspectives, often seeing angles the physicians missed. But that was the extent of what I knew.

When I reached out to check in, what I learned left me stunned.

Not only had she been involved in GME for over 30 years—she had been a leader and innovator in the field. She had helped write the original white paper for the very initiative we’re now working on. And yet, she hadn’t said a word about it.

Two things struck me.

First, it reminded me of something Dr. Sasha Shillcutt once said to a room of physicians: You have to be willing to point out and remind others of your experience and accomplishments—especially to your leaders who are pulled in many directions. And it’s possible to do that with confidence, not arrogance—especially when you remember it’s not just about you. It’s about the greater good your contribution can support.

Second, as a leader, it was a wake-up call. Not everyone has heard Sasha’s message. It’s my job to build relationships deep enough to draw out the wisdom, strengths, and experience that people don’t always voice. Sometimes we have to mine for the gold—especially when it’s buried under humility, burnout, or simply the belief that they are undervalued or that they're not relevant anymore.

Reflection:

• Who is on your team whose value might be going unseen—or unspoken?
• Are there parts of your story, your strengths, or your experience that others need to hear, not for your ego, but for the greater good?