Each year, Palmetto GBA welcomes a new class into its Aspiring Leaders Program. The program is designed for Palmetto GBA associates who feel ready to take the next step into a management role. This program educates participants on the meaning of being a manager and helps them determine if a leadership role is a right path for them. The program includes educational videos, mentorship training, critical thinking skills, and test-taking strategies.

Around thirty participants were selected to enroll in the program, and the newly promoted Medical Review Manager, Cricket Harris, was one of the selected 2021 participants. We reached out to Cricket to see how the Aspiring Leaders Program helped her career.

What motivated you to seek out the Aspiring Leaders Program?

Cricket Harris: The Aspiring Leaders Program looked like a great fit for me as it offered building blocks to move into a management position. The program is unique in that it builds on any prior experience you have, whether that be in leadership or some type of management. After hearing that, I knew this program would be a good opportunity for me. I reached out to my director, Kathy Kardules, to discuss how the program could help me advance my career.

Kathy Kardules: I fully supported Cricket's participation in this program and knew that she would give her all for any coursework. Cricket had previously expressed an interest in management and leadership, and we both felt this would be a perfect program for her to participate in.

Cricket Harris: After discussing this with Kathy, I decided to apply and was accepted into the 2021 program.

Have you applied to management positions before?

Cricket Harris: I was not currently in a management position, but my role allowed for a bit of leadership. Having this hybrid position allowed me to understand how management works without the title, so I didn't need to apply or look for a management position.

What was your favorite part of the Aspiring Leaders Program?

Cricket Harris: One of my favorite parts of the program was that the classes touched on all the qualities and expectations of leadership. The classes were very in-depth and built upon each other. As part of the program, each participant is assigned a mentor. My mentor was Glenda Piatt, and she helped me understand the classes more in-depth through weekly meetings.

Glenda Piatt: Cricket was a pleasure to coach. We had previously established a good relationship during my short time in the appeals department, when I had the opportunity to learn from her. She demonstrated strength, not only in the clinical realm but also in serving our customers. After the Aspiring Leaders Program, I've seen Cricket grow exponentially, utilizing her lessons in her new role. I’m incredibly proud of her.

Cricket Harris: My mentorship with Glenda continued after completing the Aspiring Leaders Program with ongoing one-on-one’s. When I contacted her about the internal Medical Review Department RN Manager opportunity, she and I discussed the position requirements and qualifications and agreed that I met both. She supported and encouraged me to apply for the position and remained in contact with me as I went through the interview process.

How do you feel the program helped obtain your new management position?

Cricket Harris: The Aspiring Leaders Program helped me obtain my new role by investing in my skills as a leader. Once you complete the program, the instructors teach you how to look for internal jobs, review job descriptions, and update resumes and CVs to give you the best possible chance of obtaining an interview for the position. After reviewing the description of the Medical Review Manager, I realized that many of the requirements are topics that I've learned about in the program. After talking more in-depth with my mentor, my confidence, due to my newly learned skills, was high, and I applied and obtained this new management role.

What advice would you give employees who are thinking about the Aspiring Leaders Program?

Cricket Harris: I would say to others looking at the Aspiring Leaders Program that it’s time to invest in yourself, prepare yourself, and allow yourself the opportunity to build on your current strengths that can lead you to becoming the leader you know you can be. The program is an excellent one to consider assisting you with reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to participate in leadership-focused training that will help guide you to identify your leadership strengths as well as the areas you would like to strengthen. I strongly encourage you to apply to this program and use the information you receive in your current position and your future management position. I am so glad I applied and had the opportunity to participate in the Aspiring Leaders Program.

Cricket Harris was part of the second group to complete the program, with two of the members of the class being promoted to leadership roles before graduation. "This program can help those who may be on the fence regarding whether or not they want to consider moving into a management position. I think everyone who participates, even if they choose not to move toward a management or leadership role, would benefit from this program if they are willing to actively participate, " says Kathy Kardules, Part A and B Appeals Director.

If you are interested in applying to the Aspiring Leaders Program, please reach out to your manager or director for more information.