Ten Core Competencies for Hospital Administrators

Ever-increasing complexity and contradiction in the health care industry often leave hospital administrators wondering whether they can still make a positive difference for patients. In this context, hospital administrators can regain both perspective and enthusiasm by revitalizing their direct connections with the patients, caregivers, and organizations they serve. Hospital administration remains a special calling, and this article profiles 10 core competencies that will keep health professionals close to their customers, colleagues, and the reasons they entered the helping professions. This intimate knowledge of the organization and its resources coupled with the ability to communicate effectively typically trump advanced education or technical skills in successfully navigating genuinely consequential situations. Hospital administrators who master and practice the 10 competencies can indeed make a positive difference for patients and find great personal reward in doing so.