I’ve worked at more than a dozen institutions as a hospitalist and yet only one has bothered to have a leader sit down with me and conduct an exit interview. Given that an increasing number of physicians are burned out an looking to leave clinical medicine, one would think it would be in the interest of employers to try to retain staff. Surprisingly few make any effort to learn from physicians who are leaving. Apparently though, many employers just rely on filling any staff shortages with the aide of the hundreds of locum tenens companies that exist (and over 50,000 physicians and APPs do this kind of work).
Exit interviews are valuable opportunities to provide feedback and reflect on your experience with an organization. Here are some tips to make the most of your exit interview if you are offered the opportunity:
- Be prepared: Take some time to gather your thoughts and reflect on your experiences, both positive and negative, during your tenure with the company. Consider specific examples and suggestions for improvement.
- Stay constructive: While it’s important to be honest about your experiences, it’s equally important to provide feedback in a constructive manner. Focus on offering suggestions for improvement rather than dwelling on negative aspects.
- Be professional: Approach the exit interview with a professional mindset. Maintain a respectful and polite tone throughout the conversation, regardless of any frustrations or grievances you may have.
- Provide specific examples: When discussing any concerns or issues, back them up with specific examples. This will help the company better understand your perspective and take appropriate action if necessary.
- Stay objective: While it’s natural to share personal experiences and emotions, try to maintain an objective viewpoint during the exit interview. Provide feedback based on your observations and facts, rather than solely on personal feelings.
- Offer praise and gratitude: Remember to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your experience with the organization. Highlight achievements, supportive colleagues, and opportunities for growth that you’ve encountered.
- Maintain confidentiality: Respect any confidentiality agreements or sensitivities outlined by the company during the exit interview. Avoid discussing sensitive or confidential information about the organization or individuals.
- Follow-up if necessary: If you have any additional thoughts or suggestions after the exit interview, feel free to reach out to the appropriate person or department. This shows your continued commitment and willingness to contribute constructively.
It’s important to be honest while maintaining a cordial and respectful tone so as not to burn any bridges. The healthcare sphere is a small world and one may be surprised by how quickly reputations can be built and destroyed. Here are some tips on how to achieve this balance:
- Choose your words carefully: Frame your feedback in a diplomatic and constructive manner. Use language that focuses on the situation or behavior rather than attacking individuals. For example, instead of saying, “My manager was terrible,” you can say, “I found it challenging to receive consistent guidance and support from my manager.”
- Stick to the facts: Share specific instances or examples to support your feedback, but avoid exaggeration or making generalizations. Stick to what you personally experienced or observed, rather than relying on rumors or hearsay.
- Offer suggestions for improvement: Alongside pointing out any concerns, provide suggestions or potential solutions that could address those issues. This shows your willingness to contribute positively and helps the company understand how they can make changes.
- Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor: Keep your emotions in check during the exit interview. Even if you’re discussing difficult experiences, try to remain composed and professional. A calm and respectful tone will make your feedback more impactful and easier for the company to receive.
- Focus on the bigger picture: Emphasize your overall desire for the company’s success and growth. Express gratitude for the opportunities and learning experiences you’ve had while highlighting areas where improvements can be made. This shows that your feedback comes from a place of genuine concern and a desire to see positive change.
- Practice active listening: During the exit interview, actively listen to the interviewer’s responses and engage in a dialogue. This demonstrates your willingness to understand the organization’s perspective and work together towards improvement.
Remember, the goal is to provide honest feedback in a way that promotes understanding and positive change. By being diplomatic, respectful, and solution-oriented, you can maintain cordiality while still expressing your concerns effectively.