Being a successful leader in any industry is demanding, but leadership in long-term care is especially difficult due to the demand and complex skills required. Senior living executives play a vital role in shaping the industry. Executive directors are responsible for creating the status quo. With the right combination of traits and skills, they are more than just the leaders of the organization. They’re also the heart.
To succeed in this challenging and rewarding field, there are several key qualities that we look for. Being a “people-oriented” field, 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. Here are the qualities that every successful senior living executive has:
Visionary Thinking
A successful senior living executive must have a clear and compelling vision for the future of their organization. They must be able to think creatively and strategically to identify new opportunities and drive growth. Unfortunately, it’s a common misconception that eldercare is an industry that doesn’t require a lot of strategic thinking, but as the world continues to adopt a “hospitality-like” mindset to the world of senior living, the industry will be forced to adapt. Putting the right leaders in your organization right now will completely shape your facility for years to come. Choose wisely.
Personable
What makes the difference in this business is how you “click” with your residents. Executives must be able to communicate effectively with staff, residents, families, and other stakeholders to build trust and promote collaboration. Senior living leaders should be able to model hospitality leaders in how they market their organization.
Conflict Resolution
Highly effective leaders must be able to provide an environment where employee disputes can be expressed without fear of retaliation. The ability to communicate is important for conflict resolution. That is, administrators should meet with the team on a regular basis to discuss and resolve concerns in an open and honest way. Conflicts may emerge amongst staff members as well as between employees and family members who are unhappy with the care their residents or loved ones are receiving. While being personable can get you far, the ability to resolve upcoming issues will secure your spot as a successful leader.
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. They must be able to identify new opportunities and develop plans to capitalize on them while also mitigating risks and addressing challenges.
Ability to “Multitask”
There are going to be moments when 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, and medical issues need to be attended to. Staying organized and staying level-headed is important despite all the work that is put on your plate.
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 your day mapped out, but then something happens, and it ruins everything you’ve had planned. 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 and weekend… basically, when everyone else is playing, you will be working.
Commitment to Quality
“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking” – Henry Ford
When you hold yourself to the highest standard, you will be motivated to compete with yourself. Quality is essential in senior living, and executives must be committed to delivering the highest quality care and services to residents. They must be willing to invest in staff training and development and implement best practices to ensure that their organization is delivering the best possible care.
Passion for the Industry
Finally, senior living executives must have a passion for the industry and a deep commitment to the well-being of residents. They must be dedicated to making a difference in the lives of seniors and to advancing the field of senior living.
Skilled in People Management
Staff burnout in long-term care facilities is higher than in other healthcare sectors, at 37% in skilled nursing facilities. It’s not always an easy industry to tackle.
Leaders can lower this percentage by empowering and supporting staff. To do so, facility managers must first understand what inspires their employees and then recognize and promote contributions and individual achievement. It’s also good to keep an eye on hiring because burnout is often correlated with understaffing.
Multilingual
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% which is continuing to grow. Obviously, not everyone is going to be bilingual, but as a leader, even just establishing the basics can help you build the bridge between those that aren’t native English speakers.
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.