Today’s blog post is from a friend and colleague who really knows what it takes to lead coalitions and succeed in public health work (and really in any work that involves working with people)! Someone recently asked Anita Courtney, MS, RD what she considers to be the keys to successful public health work. Here’s her answer.
- Persevere. Many endeavors don’t work the first, second or even third time. The problem solving process often leads to the sweet spot.
- Listen. To the people you hope to serve, to your partners, to your co-workers.
- Partner. “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” –Helen Keller
- Give credit where credit is due. Anytime you can give a shout out to someone for their contribution, do it!
- Incorporate equity. Something as fundamental as health and food should not be available to some and not to others.
- Think like a marketer. Identify and address the perceived benefits and barriers to your “product”.
- Follow through. My friend, Carolyn Dennis, says the reason she has been successful is that she simply does what she says she is going to do.
- Bring your best work to whatever you do. It gives you more credibility and is more satisfying.
- Be concise in written and spoken communication. Highly recommend: On Writing Well by William Zinsser
- Never tell a story without a statistic. Never tell a statistic without a story.
- Use good graphics.
To get to know more about Anita and her business, Purple Carrots: Public Health Nutrition Consulting, send her an email!
Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash
