Leaders need to build human-centered skills

Editor's Note

While technology remains a driving force in healthcare’s current evolution, leaders must prioritize blending human-centered capabilities with digital fluency and a mindset of reinventing themselves, according to a November article in Healthcare Executive.

In the article, American College of Healthcare Executives President and CEO Deborah Bowen, FACHE, CAE, discussed research identifying a shift in the expectations of leadership. While technical expertise and operational know-how is still essential, she said leaders also need to future-proof their skillset by honing their soft skills in these ways, per the article.

* Work on emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong relationship-building skills.
*Get better with foundational skills such as communication, critical thinking, and adaptability to manage complexity and fuel long-term career growth.
*Unlearn outdated methods and relearn more effective ones to stay relevant in a constantly evolving environment.
*Navigate ambiguity with confidence and courageous decision-making.
*Make time for learning, because this commitment directly translates into better care for patients and stronger outcomes for teams.

She concluded that the ripple effects of leaders focused on their growth are felt by teams and organizations. And that the future of healthcare leadership begins with the mindset of a learner.