You're a new project manager in healthcare. What are the skills you need to develop to succeed?

1 Communication skills

Communication is the key to any project, but especially in healthcare, where you have to deal with diverse and often conflicting interests, expectations, and needs of various stakeholders, such as patients, clinicians, administrators, insurers, regulators, and vendors. You need to be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively, using different modes and channels, such as verbal, written, visual, and digital. You also need to be able to listen actively, empathize, and adapt your communication style to different audiences and situations.

2 Technical skills

Technical skills are the foundation of your project management expertise, as they enable you to apply the best practices, tools, and methodologies to your projects. You need to be familiar with the project management lifecycle, from initiation to closure, and the processes, knowledge areas, and standards that guide it. You also need to be proficient in using project management software, such as Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, to create and update project plans, schedules, budgets, and reports. Additionally, you need to have some domain-specific technical skills, such as understanding the healthcare regulations, policies, systems, and terminology that affect your projects.

3 Leadership skills

Leadership skills are the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence others to achieve a common goal. As a project manager in healthcare, you need to be able to lead your project team, which may consist of people from different disciplines, backgrounds, and locations. You need to be able to set clear and realistic expectations, delegate tasks and responsibilities, provide feedback and recognition, resolve conflicts, and foster collaboration and trust. You also need to be able to lead yourself, by managing your time, energy, emotions, and stress levels.

4 Analytical skills

Analytical skills are the ability to collect, process, and interpret data and information to make informed decisions and solve problems. As a project manager in healthcare, you need to be able to define and measure your project objectives, scope, and deliverables, and track and report on your project performance, using relevant metrics and indicators. You also need to be able to identify and assess the risks, issues, and opportunities that may affect your project, and devise and implement appropriate strategies and actions to mitigate or leverage them.

5 Creative skills

Creative skills are the ability to generate and implement new and innovative ideas and solutions to improve your project outcomes and processes. As a project manager in healthcare, you need to be able to think outside the box and challenge the status quo, by exploring different perspectives, options, and alternatives. You also need to be able to encourage and support creativity and innovation in your project team, by creating a positive and supportive environment, soliciting and valuing input and feedback, and rewarding and celebrating achievements.

6 Learning skills

Learning skills are the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills to enhance your personal and professional growth. As a project manager in healthcare, you need to be committed to continuous learning and improvement, as the healthcare industry is constantly evolving and changing, and so are the project management standards and practices. You need to be able to identify and pursue learning opportunities, such as courses, certifications, webinars, podcasts, books, or mentors, that can help you expand your knowledge and skills. You also need to be able to reflect on your project experiences and lessons learned, and apply them to your future projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?