July 14, 2023
As leaders, we hold the power to inspire, uplift, and bring out the best in our team members. By fostering an environment of empowerment, we can unlock their potential, drive organizational success, and ultimately enhance the lives of the older adults we serve. As the Executive Director of Cedar Trails Senior Living, I want to explore what empowerment means to me, its impact on the workload, and the strategies I use to empower my team members, as well as the current threats to the senior living industry and how empowerment can be a catalyst for overcoming these challenges.
Empowerment is a great tool to use when working with staff. I listen to their ideas for making their challenging workdays better. Their ideas often make us more efficient and their workflow easier. Staff feel good about themselves when their ideas are implemented. It’s very important to listen. An empowered staff is more productive, and the community runs smoother.
I empower through encouragement, by inquiring about ideas or suggestions in the day-to-day duties of their position, by checking on them each day, and showing I care.
Employees leaving is the biggest threat to the senior living industry. It leaves us short staffed, and it affects the residents. We have added fun employee Town Hall events, beach volleyball, a snack bar in the break room, and occasionally buying the crew lunch in the hope of retaining staff.
I have empowered my department heads to deal with situations within their departments. When staff come to me as Executive Director, I direct them back to their department head to work out the problem.
In conclusion, as a leader, empowering your team members is not just a noble goal; it is a strategic imperative. By fostering an environment of trust, autonomy, and continuous growth, you unlock the full potential of your team, reduce your own workload, and enhance the well-being of the aging adults you serve. Empowerment becomes a powerful tool to navigate the challenges faced by the senior living industry, fostering resilience, innovation, and sustainable solutions. So, let’s embrace the transformative power of empowerment and lead our teams toward a brighter future.
Cedar Trails Senior Living in Freeburg, IL offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including The Orchards Golf Club, Target, Eckerts Belleville Farm, Braeutigam Orchards, and the Belle Clair fairgrounds & Expo Center.
