MBA BLOG
WHAT MAKES A GOOD HEALTHCARE MANAGER
It comes with no surprise that the behind-the-scenes operation and logistics of healthcare industry can be pretty complicated. From payments and billings, managing biomedical facilities, bio-hazard wastes, policy compliance, department operational function and ensuring quality healthcare, I must admit this is quite a handful to navigate and understand.
Due to the sudden rise in COVID-19 pandemic globally, the healthcare industry is no doubt booming. Individuals who find themselves interested to join the healthcare industry but realized that their strength and professional competency lies more within the scope of business and management duties are the perfect fit for an integrated aspects of healthcare management.
As the field of healthcare management rise to popularity, there has been an increasing trend in terms of job application as a healthcare manager. So, what’s the secret in securing a job opportunity as a healthcare manager? What is expected of you when you secure a position in healthcare management? For those individuals who are interested in entering this industry, here are a list of qualities that will assist you in becoming an ideal candidate employable as a healthcare manager in any healthcare organization.
1. Academic Qualification and Work Experience
The basic consideration of any organization to hire a healthcare managers is that he/she should obtain a minimum degree qualification from any accredited college/university. Working within the healthcare industry requires individual who also displays strong commitment in continuous professional development and continuous learning throughout their career. This is due to the fact that healthcare is ever changing and policies are bound to be amended in accordance with new regulations and government requirements. Therefore, the hiring team will always look for individuals who possess prior working experiences in related healthcare field or internship in any healthcare organization.
2. Genera Management Skills
In order to be an effective healthcare leader, an individual should portray mature and strong management skills. It is understood that management skills can be trained through practice, however the natural trait of an effective leader can be observed through his/her strong general management skills.
3. Communication And Interpersonal Relations
An excellent written and oral communication skills are what determines an excellent healthcare manager. In order to communicate well with the management team, staffs, patients and third party clients, an effective healthcare manager could express their points across through effective speech communication. This can also directly empower staffs to participate in a shared vision for the organization.
4. Adaptability and Good Organizational Fit
As an employer, their main objective is to hire a manager that can fit well and perform well for the organization. When an individual is being hired, it is important that he/she is able to adapt and perform for the organization, manage operational flow, empower their subordinates as well as show compassion and empathy within the field of healthcare. Therefore, the skills to adapt and be flexible is key in becoming an attractive contender for the hiring organization. In addition, portraying good self-confidence and managerial competency is also a plus.
5. Good Professional Judgement
Lastly, a manager within any industry be it healthcare, financial, or manufacturing must have the basic maturity and sound decision-making capacities, while also able to take full responsibility and accountability in both success and failure. A good moral compass to guide the actions and decision makings within healthcare is vital. It is important for a healthcare manager to focus on managing talents, supervising daily operational functions and achieving financial performance, however it is equally important for healthcare managers to show strong commitment in ensuring the patient’s well-being, safety, emotional requirements and social support is being fulfilled as the well-being of the community should be the priority of any healthcare organization.
Being a healthcare manager requires excellent leadership skills, interpersonal communication skills as well as financial analytic skills. Not only are they working to improve and achieve financial goals and administrative duties, but they are also required to take into account the psycho-social aspects of the sick and wounded. As the saying goes, “To be working as a manager in the Healthcare Industry is very much different from any tradition business industry. You are accountable in the front line of care with patients and families, staffs, administration and the organization”.