Traits of an effective manager in a medical practice (or any other business)

I am absolutely passionate about helping medical practice managers become better at nurturing, mentoring, coaching, building relationships and focusing on the people they lead. I see a significant lack of focus on these skills among managers AND physician owners. Why am I passionate? Simple – the medical practices that do the best at human resources are the ones that do the best financially – it’s that simple. The following are sample traits of an effective manager…………..

What an effective manager must be:

• Even-keeled and even-tempered
  
• Genuine
  
• Good at reading people’s character and skill level
  
• Honorable
  
• Noble
  
• Sensitive to personal issues
  
• Smart, but human
  
• Someone of high integrity
  
• Apolitical
  
• Sincere
  
• A good communicator
  
• A good listener
  
• A role model
  
• A magnet for talent (the reason people want to stay)
  
• Accessible
  
• Articulate about what he or she stands for
  
• Comfortable with allowing other people to get credit
  
• Disciplined about standards, although open to reasons why they may not be met
  
• Enthusiastic
  
• Studied and precise in conversations
  
• Thoughtful
  
• Transparent, not opaque
  

Source: David Maister, Practice What You Preach, Free Press, 2001

Dear Physician: What are you doing at your medical practice RIGHT NOW to help yourself and your managers become better leaders, mentors, coaches, and role models?

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.