Generalities about Success
There are qualities inherent in successful people that they may not have reached their full potential without them. Whether a person works in health administration or manages a small unit in a major corporation, specific attributes contribute to becoming a proficient leader.
In 1989, A book titled, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People hit the market and written by a college professor (Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University), lecturer, and self-help guru, Stephen Covey. The message was aimed at those seeking personal and professional success; the book became a massive best-seller with over 25 million copies worldwide. One of Covey’s principles is the term: abundance mentality – meaning that one should not feel threatened by another’s success. Instead, a sense of self-esteem and independence helps a person realize that anyone can attain the same accomplishment level.
There are numerous timeless best-selling books, which will benefit anyone entering or presently working in any business environment. Regardless of the occupation, anyone interacting with people will benefit from the advice in select self-help books. On the recommended list is Dale Carnegie’s 1936 book titled: How to Win Friends and Influence People. By the time the lecturer and public speaker died in 1955, the book sold five million copies. Carnegie also founded the Dale Carnegie Institute (now called Dale Carnegie) for aspiring business people and others who wanted to develop interpersonal skills. The professional training courses and classes continue for people desiring self-improvement, which will transform the lives of those around them.
Health Administration Success
We use the word success because the captioned query infers that being good as an administrator translates to success. Most people entering the business world or healthcare profession want to be proficient, effective, recognized, and rewarded for their diligence and dedication. Without the ability to master management skills, your progress through the ranks could be thwarted. What are some of the qualities necessary to increase your chances of promotion?
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
The two terms go hand-in-hand. The former refers to analyzing facts or information to form a decision, judgment, or cause of action. A problem or concern may precipitate the need to analyze and think critically about the situation and its resolution. The concept is as old as Socrates (470-399 BC), who presented the idea that individuals must be inquisitive and probing in their thinking. The term Socratic Questioning developed referring to discovering answers by constant questioning.
In healthcare facilities, general medical hospitals, or clinics, problems will arise that demand critical thinking. Situations, such as staff problems, nursing shortages, budget constraints, and more, will require attention.
Integrity
This quality may not readily come to mind; however, from a survey of Human Resources Managers, 49% stressed integrity as second to loyalty. Health administrators are not involved in direct patient care, but their actions and decision have a bearing on each person’s health. Therefore, personal responsibility, a cousin of integrity, is vital to one’s leadership role. Employees with integrity display honesty, moral principles, and empathy for others. All crucial to management in a profession steeped in compassion when dealing with another’s health and welfare.
Knowledge
The word extends beyond your degree. The healthcare industry is in constant flux; regulations and policies change requiring continuing education. Many will look to the administrator for guidance and advice; this might require knowledge of legal jargon or state regulations. An organization like the Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP) is a place for current information. They also offer the Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional or cHAP. Adding certifications is another way to boost your knowledge and management persona.
Technology
Competent computer skills will bode well in health administration. Familiarity with billing, coding, research materials, and data collection is essential in healthcare management, according to the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. The institution is home to its Master of Health Administration (MHA) online program. This Executive degree incorporates practical skills with leadership qualities to improve analytical, communication, and decision-making capabilities. Interestingly, Price School’s coursework emphasizes critical thinking and analysis.
Adaptability
On the Human Resource’s list mentioned above, another top 10 trait is adaptability. Closely related to it is flexibility, which Carrington College states is crucial in healthcare. Administrators deal with rotating shifts in hospitals, on-call schedules for physicians, and emergency admissions. All of which requires the administrator to adapt to constant change quickly. Routine is not in the vocabulary in many patient care facilities unless you work in the physicians’ office routine climate.
Road to Employment
Individuals about to enter the health administration job market or seasoned employees looking for a new venue need to know what 88% of HR managers want. A 2017 survey of 750 hiring managers in the United States and the United Kingdom reported that an informed candidate is the most valuable! Prospective hires who are informed about the company, the job’s role, pertinent business knowledge, organization’s culture, and compensation expectations are essential. Therefore, know yourself, know the job duties, know the company, and know how to express all of these elements.
Additional Resources:
Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
Are there professional organizations that will benefit my career in Health Administration?
How do I become a Health Administrator?
What kind of jobs would I look for in Health Administration?