Why Intrapersonal Skills Matter for Practice Managers

Intrapersonal skills are crucial for practice managers in GP settings to navigate complex healthcare dynamics, build strong relationships with staff and drive success in operations. Here are some of the key skills you should be focusing on

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Top CV

Intrapersonal skills are crucial for fostering positive relationships and creating a collaborative environment in any workplace. For practice managers, these skills are especially important as they interact with a variety of individuals, including staff, patients and the wider healthcare community.

Practice managers play a key role in overseeing the operations of a GP practice, and their ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with different groups can greatly influence the success of healthcare initiatives and the overall practice culture.

Sense of Identity

In any work environment, you may come across colleagues who appear outwardly confident, but true inner confidence is about being genuinely comfortable with who you are and what you stand for. This quiet self-assurance allows individuals to make clear decisions, especially when faced with challenging situations.

For practice managers, inner confidence is vital. When making difficult decisions, managing competing priorities, or addressing challenges within the healthcare environment, inner confidence ensures you remain focused. It enables you to trust your judgment, make informed decisions and lead with conviction, knowing your actions align with both the practice’s values and the best interests of patients and staff.

Self-regulation

Self-regulation is essential in healthcare settings. While passion and commitment to the role are key, managing emotional responses – especially in high-pressure situations – is just as important. Practice managers often face stressful circumstances, and overreacting can impact decision-making and team morale.

Staying composed and clear-headed during stressful moments helps ensure that decisions are thoughtful and objective. Your ability to maintain emotional control positively influences the work environment and ensures that both staff and patients feel supported. It also fosters a problem-solving culture within the practice, helping to manage challenges effectively.

Resourcefulness

Optimising existing resources and processes can drive creativity and innovation within a GP practice. Practice managers can boost their resourcefulness by regularly assessing current resources, from staff expertise to physical assets, and finding ways to maximise their efficiency.

Practice managers should lead by example, demonstrating how small adjustments – such as better use of technology, streamlined administrative processes, or collaborative problem-solving – can improve both patient care and practice operations.

By demonstrating inner confidence, managing emotions effectively and optimising resources, practice managers can create a collaborative, efficient environment. These intrapersonal skills not only improve day-to-day operations but also enhance the practice’s culture, driving success and innovation.

Ultimately, practice managers who master these skills are better equipped to navigate challenges, build trust with staff and patients and lead their practices toward continuous growth and improvement.