The "Why" Behind Your Work Challenge

I had to think for a while about how to answer this question, because there are a couple of reasons behind my "why".

The first is that I have a knack for decluttering and organizing--in short, bringing order out of chaos. I am able to use this in scheduling, which allows more healthcare practitioners to see more patients.

The second, and far more important, is that I have been hearing about Mayo Clinic ever since I was a little kid. Over the years two family members were referred here and always treated kindly by the Mayo Clinic staff, whether the doctors gave good news or bad. Then there was the friend who was on death's door, was brought here, her problem was discovered and fixed, and she lived many more years. It's truly a privilege to be here, and be able to give what little I can back to this amazing institution.

I chose the life of a lab rat because I feel a deep desire to discreetly help people. In my position, I am able to contribute life saving results without having to be face to face with a patient. I also have a deep desire to fix things. 80% of my job is troubleshooting so it is extremely rewarding to me when I am able to find a solution to a problem. Being a teaching hospital, my work fulfills my last desire to share knowledge with others. Educating students who come through is rewarding, especially when you see them start to connect the dots on their own. I find my career at Mayo both challenging and rewarding-never a boring moment!

I like to help people. When I was younger, I was a patient in the hospital and had good nurses and not so good nurses. They made a difference in my experience. People don't want to be sick or at the hospital. If I can make it a little more tolerable or make them smile, it makes me feel good.

My “Why” is to creatively contribute to an organization that values all aspects of the needs of the patient - from medical treatment to their journey through and within spaces. It’s great to problem solve in a teamwork atmosphere, and to be able to provide solutions for patients, caregivers, and staff that are functional and supportive as well as aesthetically pleasing and inspirational.

I grew up listening to my grandmothers stories of her experience as a Mayo Clinic patient in the late 1920's. I hope I make her proud by sharing the Mayo Brothers Legacy. In my position I get to combine my love of History with Food each and every day, I help support those you get to heal patients.

To contribute and learn. To be part of something larger then myself.

Why work? Why work at Mayo Clinic for 30+ years? My WHY includes being able to make a difference in one or many colleague/employee's work. I have been involved in an educational area for most of my Mayo career and love to learn and share my knowledge with others so they can enhance their work or be more efficient. I love the challenge of being asked a question I don't have the answer to, but know that I will find an answer! I have been a long-time Mayo Clinic employee because I believe in this organization and the good that they do for all patients and for us as employees. I have worked on a number of fabulous teams and see the passion and compassion in employees. And, I'm not done here yet!

My “why” is coming to a place where the needs of the patients come first and is ingrained in so much of what and how we do our work. My work revolves around the well-being of individuals who take care of the patients which demonstrates the power behind a ripple effect. I am grateful to be a part of the Mayo Clinic team!

I come to work everyday, because I enjoy being part of an organization that cares about its employees, and its patients. I am not a doctor, nor am I a nurse, but I know my contribution matters. Other reasons "Why" I come to work:
•The Fun. Work may be stressful at times, but I often find something to smile at in the office ...
•Interesting Work and interesting people. These are what make my days go by quickly.
•The Accomplishments. I can check off items on my list everyday. .
•The View. I get to voice my opinions, and learn from others' opinions. I learn to be more tolerant and resilient. It's part of my growth/development process.
•It gives me an opportunity to leave home and experience/see different views
•It makes me appreciate my vacation/PTO a lot more 🙂

Shall I continue?

Thanks for creating this challenge!

I work because I have been given skills and abilities to plan, see details, and connect many processes together into one event. I help people organize thoughts and actions, problem solve, and find new solutions using many resources. I received a new position here at Mayo two months ago, where I plan educational courses for a variety of medical professionals so they continue to have licensure. My planning keeps knowledge up to date to provide the best care for our patients and providers!