Healthcare administration roles include:
Hospital administration
Medical practice administration
Nursing Administration
Healthcare financial management
Healthcare information management
To be an effective healthcare administrator in the above-listed work settings you must develop or
possess the following key competencies:
Communication and relationship management skills- ability to communicate clearly and concisely with internal and external customers.
Leadership skills- ability to inspire individual and organizational excellence to create and attain a shared vision
Professionalism- Ability to align personal and organizational conduct with ethical and professional standards and commitment to lifelong learning and improvement
Knowledge of the healthcare system- knowledge of the environment that healthcare Managers’ and providers’ function
Business skills and knowledge- ability to apply business principles including system thinking to the healthcare environment.
Now, focus on the first three competencies (communication, leadership, and professionalism)
A: For each individual competence
Please share with the class how you would describe/ assess your skill level for each
competence. Explain exactly what your style is and how/what you actually do in each of
the 3 highlighted areas and
i What do you feel are still your shortcomings and need to improve (list those areas)
ii How will you go about improving such a competence (explain each) [e.g.in
communication if you say, “my problem is I yell a lot”; to improve this I will seek
counseling, take communication training, etc.)
B: Consider your current workplace:
iii. Provide an analysis of how well your manager/supervisor/administrator is performing on each of the three first listed competencies above? (List the competence and explain what
Full Answer Section
Improvement Strategies:
- Role-playing: I can practice having difficult conversations through role-playing exercises with a colleague or mentor.
- Communication training: I can take communication training courses that focus on assertive communication and conflict resolution.
- Seek feedback: I can actively seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors on my communication style, particularly in challenging situations.
Leadership Skills
Description/Assessment: My leadership style is collaborative and empowering. I value input from others and encourage teamwork. I am comfortable delegating tasks and providing constructive feedback to help team members grow. I am also results-oriented and can motivate others to achieve goals.
Shortcomings and Improvement: I can sometimes be hesitant to take decisive action, particularly in situations that require quick decisions. Additionally, I may struggle to delegate tasks to the appropriate level of complexity.
Improvement Strategies:
- Shadow leadership: I can shadow strong leaders in my organization to observe their decision-making processes.
- Delegation training: I can participate in training programs focused on effective delegation strategies.
- Develop a decision-making framework: I can create a framework for myself to guide my decision-making process, especially in time-sensitive situations.
Professionalism
Description/Assessment: I maintain a high degree of professionalism in my work. I am reliable, ethical, and committed to continuous learning. I dress appropriately for the workplace and conduct myself with integrity. I am also open to feedback and strive to improve my skills and knowledge.
Shortcomings and Improvement: I can sometimes be a workaholic and neglect work-life balance. This can lead to burnout and hinder my overall effectiveness.
Improvement Strategies:
- Time management: I can improve my time management skills to ensure I am working efficiently and effectively, allowing for adequate personal time.
- Set boundaries: I can set clear boundaries between work and personal life, such as not checking work emails outside of work hours.
- Seek support: I can seek support from colleagues, mentors, or mental health professionals to develop healthy work-life balance habits.
Sample Answer
A: Self-Assessment of Key Competencies
Communication and Relationship Management Skills
Description/Assessment: I consider myself a strong communicator with a clear and concise style. I actively listen to others and tailor my communication approach to the audience. I am comfortable giving presentations and leading discussions. In written communication, I pay attention to detail and ensure my message is well-organized and easy to understand.
Shortcomings and Improvement: While I am confident in my core communication skills, I can sometimes struggle with confrontational conversations. I tend to avoid conflict and may not always be assertive in addressing difficult issues.