FROM THE PRESIDENT by PATRICIA PURCELL , MD , MBA , FAAP
The Effort Is Worth It !
As I reflect on how I have strived to promote “ intentional empowerment ” and what offers the best path to support others , I realize that while there have been multiple successes , there continues to be an unceasing need . From my perspective , intentional empowerment is supporting others in any capacity to possibly overcome obstacles or difficulties that they are experiencing . Hopefully , by helping people gain a semblance of control over their struggles , they are empowered to move forward . They begin to build on their inherent confidence .
Helping to move forward with confidence as well as assisting in building skill sets helps people to recognize and appreciate their own innate abilities . Confidence can be learned and must be practiced as we intentionally empower someone . Confidence can ebb and flow for all of us : it can depend on how we are feeling about ourselves ; it can be affected by our health , by what most recently occurred in our day and our overall well-being . Confidence can be high in one area of our lives while lower in other areas . I find my confidence to be fluid . Selfishly , I want to add that helping others has also offered a tangible benefit that I have appreciated . I become more aware of what is meaningful to myself and others . I learn more about my own confidence as I empower others .
So how can we offer intentional empowerment ? What do we gain ? First , supporting someone in their struggles enlightens my view of what other individuals face on a frequent basis . Sharing and collaborating on past experiences allow for both of us to scrutinize the landscape through the other ’ s perspective . While I cannot have the same experience or face the same struggles , I might be able to share what strengths may be needed to assemble the confidence to move forward with purpose and goals . I might also be able to offer the power of listening . Attentively listening can provide the framework for an empathic response . We treasure someone listening , truly listening to what we are saying . Our listening adds meaning to the support being offered . Intentionally empowering someone can aid in helping the recognition of their worth , of what attributes they possess . It also allows people to recognize the invaluable resources that they possess and how these resources can be best used . I have found it helpful to routinely structure my resources as I determine the supply , the how and where I might need to replenish .
As I encourage our members to empower others , it is important to bear in mind that empowering others can contribute to a more compassionate relationship , a greater connection . As we embrace intentional empowerment , we also must understand that the steps we discussed require us to leverage our own strength and resources so that we can share them freely . We must focus on what our supply entails and not presume we have enough . The willingness to ask of ourselves and others represents the intentionality that leads to empowerment . Individuals gain the support that is right for them and at the time it is needed . We gain confidence in our own ability to utilize our very own strengths and resources .
The potential to help is innate to our profession . Helping family , friends and patients signals that we care , that we want to support and respect the person they represent . And by supporting others , we “ gift ” ourselves with confidence , strength and personal enrichment . Intentional empowerment requires our effort for continuous support , to assist in living up to our and their potential .
Remember : the effort is so worth it !
Dr . Purcell currently serves as the District IV Chair for the American Academy of Pediatrics .
4 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE