The Executive Director is responsible for creating the status quo. In senior living facilities specifically, they ensure that the residents are receiving high-quality service and employees are performing. With the right combination of traits and skills, they are more than just the leaders of the organization. They’re also the heart.
In order to be a successful leader, managers need to possess some basic skillsets (or develop them) to be successful. At JDI, we’ve mentioned many of the leadership skills it takes to be an effective manager. However, there are many traits that are essential to eldercare specifically. Being a “people-oriented” industry, you have to keep a smile on your face and be the epitome of hospitality, all while having a holistic approach when it comes to the health and safety of residents.
Personable –
What makes the difference in this business is how you “click” with your residents. These relationships extend to resident’s family members, local vendors and the community as a whole. Senior living leaders should be able to model hospitality leaders in how they market their brand.
Risk-management –
Paying attention to the most minute of details is what will set your operation apart from your direct competition and what will keep everyone’s head above water. Having a strategic approach to crisis management before a problem even strikes will create positive PR.
Ability to Multitask –
There are going to be moments where leaders feel like the world is on fire. In fact, this is more often than not as of this past year. Executive directors are going to have to get their “normal” work done while at the same time running several functions and managing the staff. Schedules need to be made, departments need to be checked, medical issues need to be attended to. Staying organized and staying level-headed is important. (And yes, we know that multitasking is just switching back and forth between tasks really quickly. It’s not actually a real thing.)
Flexible –
This goes for both your attitude as well as your schedule. There are going to be plenty of times when you think you have the ideal plan in place, then something happens to put a wrench in everything. You will have to end up changing your entire blueprint if the day is going to be successful. In operations, you will be working virtually every holiday, weekends… basically, when everyone else is playing, you will be working.
Language Skills –
Being able to communicate with staff members and residents on some level in their native language can make your job a LOT easier. Currently, the United States has a Spanish-speaking population of 12% that is continuing to grow.
Joseph David International is regularly ranked as one of the top recruiters in the country because we work hard to find the perfect fit for both the candidate and the senior living property. For more information about our client services, click here.