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 The Castlewood 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.
To me, empowerment means giving someone the tools, support, and proper environment to grow. When my team is empowered, they have the confidence to take the lead and make decisions, decreasing stress oversight. To empower my team members, I start by explaining the expectations of their role. I provide support as needed, but give them room to find their own way to execute the goal while staying within the expectations. These steps usually allow the person to become more confident in their role and they begin to empower their own department employees.
The lack of quality employees is the greatest threat to the senior living industry. Empowering the team creates self-confidence, pride in their work, and the desire do their best every day.
I have learned a “micro-managed” environment causes employees to shut down mentally and emotionally, and eventually they leave due to the feeling of inadequacy. In my experience, empowerment creates trust, positive self-worth, and inspiration for growth. When a team feels empowered, it creates a beautiful environment for the entire community.
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.
The Castlewood Senior Living in Nixa, MO 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 Cox Medical Center South and with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Fountain Plaza, Smallin Civil War Cave, 160 Grand Prix Amusement Center, and the 4 X 4 Brewery-Fremont.
