Do You Have the Skills to Be a Manager?

Most managers are regular employees who get promoted, but often that promotion comes with the realization that while you are great at your job you lack some managerial skills. It’s different being a manager, but there are some things you can work on now to help when that promotion comes.

These skills are actually good to learn no matter what your position is. For instance, a biller needs to “act with authority” when explaining a patient's payment responsibility — Any hesitation or lack of confidence when you are explaining the amount, the due date, or your practice policies doesn’t have the same level of authority as, “Thank you for calling. I am looking at your account now. You currently owe a balance of $250 that was due on January 30. I can take a credit over the phone now to take care of this or send you a link to our online billpay."

If you want to be ready to take on the role of billing manager or practice manager, start learning what you need to know. 

A Checklist of Skills to Learn

Learn how to be comfortable having difficult conversations — all managers have to be able to do this because sweeping problems under the rug doesn’t make them go away.

Learn how to give feedback the right way — tell people when they are doing a good job, and if something is wrong, say so clearly without hinting around while providing a few reasonable suggestions.

Learn how to clarify goals — work with the physicians and/or practice owners to establish what practical benchmarks are being looked for so everyone can be on the same page. If you can’t measure it, you can’t all reach it.

Learn how to act with authority — if the decision is based on policy, say so. If you want someone to do something, don’t make it sound like an option.

Learn how to separate relationships from work performance — sooner or later a manager has to confront a lousy employee and fire them even if that employee is a friend. This is one of the hardest things managers face.

One of the things that will be examined closely when your name comes up as a potential manager is your resume. If you aren’t confident your resume is ready for that examination, seek out professional feedback and concrete suggestions for making sure you are ready for the next step in your career.