If ever there was a time in healthcare that effective middle managers need to be engaged in the practice success; that time is now. Middle healthcare managers are the first line “go to” person in most practices, clinics and hospitals. They, more even than the C persons, can establish culture, define quality and establish relationships with other employees and patients, not only by how they lead, but more importantly, by their example. They can also facilitate change and create a positive change atmosphere. Engaged (“psychologically committed to their job and likely to be making positive contributions to their organizations.”) middle healthcare managers will do more to keep employees engaged and create a working environment that benefits both the practice and the employee.
So what are the 8 key attributes of a great healthcare manager?
- They know the details of the job, but do not get too bogged down in them. The healthcare business has a great deal of details that must be followed to be successful. These details are processes, technical requirements, payer relationships, customer relationships, and workflow. At any given time have a lot of balls in the air. Knowing how to quickly problem solve and delegate is an important aspect of middle management.
- They have an excellent work ethic – they are consistently at work on time, and work steadily throughout the day at meaningful tasks. (This may sound obvious……sadly, it is not)
- They are good listeners–less focused on imposing their own will than on hearing what others had to say. The ability to listen, actively listen and participate in employee concerns will bring loyalty and attention.
- They are perceptive – able to understand the sometimes subtle issues their direct reports are daily encountering. Being able to know the jobs others are performing helps them to not only set realistic expectations, but also anticipate when they may need additional help or resources.
- They are open communicators – approachable, candid, easy to talk to and available when needed. This skill cannot be over-estimated. The single complaint most often heard from employees is their managers is too busy to listen.
- They possess a calm demeanor – Whether it is a patient or a volume issue, or the provider is behind…or any other number of routine daily stresses, a practice is a stressful place. A really good manager remains calm and knows how to calm others in stressful situations.
- They are genuinely concerned about their direct reports’ well-being -men and women of integrity who care about their employees and can be trusted to keep their word. Integrity is not an old-fashioned word or concept. It is the essence of success.
- They communicate a bold, specific and consistent vision. The vision may come from upper management, but they understand it, totally buy into it and can communicate it by word and deed to employees.
Want to boost your work-force to the next level? Hire a manager that possess the above qualities. You may have to pay them more, but it will be worth it.
FAQs
A good healthcare manager can provide trust and confidence to staff and can appreciate staff efforts. The inspiration of staff can manifest by providing supportive supervision to all members of the organization.In practicing these healthcare management skills, it is evident that leadership skills are equally vital.
What makes a good healthcare manager? ›
A good healthcare manager can provide trust and confidence to staff and can appreciate staff efforts. The inspiration of staff can manifest by providing supportive supervision to all members of the organization.In practicing these healthcare management skills, it is evident that leadership skills are equally vital.
What are the professional characteristics of a healthcare manager is the ability to? ›
Healthcare managers ensure the business operations of a healthcare facility run smoothly. To be successful in this position, you need the ability to build relationships with others, solve problems, and make sound decisions. You should also be passionate about healthcare administration and love what you do.
Why is it important for healthcare managers? ›
Healthcare managers supervise all staff members, including caregivers, doctors, and providers. They provide guidance, support, and feedback to ensure that staff members are performing their duties effectively.
What role does a healthcare manager play in regards to quality? ›
The role of leadership for quality improvement in healthcare
They lead implementation efforts within their departments, and their role is central to proactively monitoring the progress of such improvements. Along with the board and other team leaders, managers ensure that quality remains atop the organization's agenda.
What are the three most important things health care managers should do to improve the value of health care? ›
Patient-Centered: Honor the individual and respect choice. Timely: Reduce waiting for both patients and those who give care. Efficient: Reduce waste.
What are the three key skills healthcare marketing managers should have to be effective? ›
In order to be successful in the field of marketing, you must have skills including creativity, attention to detail, and data analysis + analytics. Creativity and attention to detail are needed to grab the attention of potential customers and clients.
What are 10 characteristics a healthcare professional should possess? ›
Qualities of a Good Health Care Professional
- Service Oriented. Good health care professionals are motivated by a desire to serve and help others. ...
- Empathy and Compassion. ...
- Hardworking. ...
- Passion for the Field. ...
- Strong Communication Skills. ...
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle. ...
- The Ability to Multitask. ...
- Strong Problem-Solving Skills.
Describe the seven core qualities that every health care professional should demonstrate. Every healthcare professional should care about others, have integrity, be dependable, work well with others, be flexible, be willing to learn and strive to be cost conscious.
What are 3 key functions of healthcare managers? ›
Medical and health services managers set and carry out policies, goals, and procedures for their departments or facilities. Their duties include hiring, scheduling, and evaluating staff; monitoring compliance with state and federal guidelines; and developing reports and budgets.
In fact, tasks such as the management of facilities and human resources, improving the patient experience and implementing hospital policies are examples of medical management at the organisational level. They are usually done by healthcare administrators.
Why is it important for health care managers to have strong conflict management skills? ›
Conflict resolution is a vital skill for healthcare managers, as they often have to deal with complex and stressful situations involving patients, staff, and other stakeholders. Poor conflict resolution can lead to low morale, high turnover, reduced quality of care, and legal risks.
How can a manager improve on excellence in a healthcare setting? ›
Manage and Lead
This means providing direction and motivating participation as well as offering guidance, listening to team members, and nurturing the development of each person under your leadership. Maintain open communication lines and use your team by sharing tasks and delegating work.
What do you think are the most important key functions of a healthcare manager and why? ›
Healthcare Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Among the most important tasks are: Human Resource Management. Healthcare managers ensure that their facilities have enough staff to run daily operations. In addition to staffing, they organize training, manage workloads, and set performance expectations.
What is the best leadership style in healthcare management? ›
1 Transformational leadership
Transformational leaders can foster a positive and supportive culture, where team members feel valued, trusted, and motivated. This style can be especially effective in healthcare settings that require constant change, adaptation, and improvement.
What defines a true leader in healthcare? ›
To be a resilient leader in today's healthcare environment, a leader needs courage, teamwork, dedication to the staff, the healthcare system and the will to win.
What's the best leadership style for healthcare? ›
The Transformational Leader
This leader can motivate like no other and is adept at creating plans for change that are a big reach, yet still doable if everyone buys in.
How can I succeed in healthcare management? ›
Leadership in Healthcare Management: What It Takes to Succeed
- Visionary Thinking. One of the most important traits of successful healthcare leaders is visionary thinking. ...
- Strategic Planning. ...
- Communication. ...
- Emotional Intelligence. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- Financial Acumen. ...
- Team Building. ...
- Strategic Partnerships.
If ever there was a time in healthcare that effective middle managers need to be engaged in the practice success; that time is now. Middle healthcare managers are the first line “go to” person in most practices, clinics and hospitals. They, more even than the C persons, can establish culture, define quality and establish relationships with other employees and patients, not only by how they lead, but more importantly, by their example. They can also facilitate change and create a positive change atmosphere. Engaged (“psychologically committed to their job and likely to be making positive contributions to their organizations.”) middle healthcare managers will do more to keep employees engaged and create a working environment that benefits both the practice and the employee.