Quantum² : InfoStars : Barbara Denton

Barbara Denton

PCA Health Plans' Barbara Denton
Don't Miss The Chance to "Stretch" Your Career

There are few things that Barbara Denton hasn't done in the field of information research, and it's largely because of her philosophy. "If a chance comes along and you think you can do it, go ahead and say yes—and force yourself to learn," says Denton, manager in the Records and Information Management Department at PCA Health Plans of Texas, the largest health maintenance organization (HMO) in the state. In fact, her current position is the direct result of following that philosophy.

"This job was a stretch for me and I had to overcome my qualms. I didn't know anything about records," she admits. "Yet, I've seen other librarians—the ones who I think are the best—do it. They have a unique quality: the willingness to stretch." At PCA Health Plans, Denton now manages the people who handle forms and records in the HMO, and is part of the team implementing an imaging project to scan records optically, as well as switching reports from microfiche to laser disc. One of two in her department with an MLS degree, Denton is looking strategically at freeing the company to pursue the next generation of technology on several different fronts.

"It was very different in my previous positions," admits Denton. For most of her career, she was director of research for Information Resource Services and library manager for SEMATECH, a semiconductor industry consortium. In addition, she was a trainer with the Quantum program, teaching a course on communicating your value as a research professional. But she didn't stop there. She also organized a continuing education course for University of Texas on performance metrics, or measuring your value. And she has authored several articles for industry publications.

Denton doesn't believe she's unusual, but only that she uses specific skills that she feels have contributed to her success. Here are three qualities she's found essential to success:

Adaptability: Be adaptable to change, to a variety of people and a variety of settings. If three people are making demands on you, and they all have different styles, you need to be able to communicate with each of them effectively.

Creativity: Use it in problem solving, in mediating people who disagree, in coming up with ideas, and in making choices. Creativity also can be a valuable tool to use in communicating your value.

Tact: Get your message across but don't tear down bridges in the process. You can be assertive, but agreeable, accepting other people's ideas without losing sight of your own.