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 Carriage Court 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, to me, means having the freedom and confidence I am able to make decisions on my own. When the people I lead feel empowered, it allows me to delegate my time more freely. When everyone around me feels empowered, it allows me to avoid becoming a micromanager and creates for a better workplace.
Whenever I am going to be away from the community, I designate someone else to speak in my place. When someone makes a decision I agree with, I make sure to tell them I support and agree with that decision. I also like to turn the questions around on my staff when they come to me. If someone asks how to handle something, I like to ask them, “What would you do?” We then talk through the situation.
At this point, the biggest threat to the senior living industry is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the benefits it may be able to offer to someone choosing to stay at home. AI is becoming so big, and it seems the limitations are endless at this point. I think one thing that AI will never be able to replace, or at least not for a long time, is the element of human touch, emotion, and compassion. The more human-like tendencies of ours we embrace, such as making mistakes and being imperfect, the happier and more comfortable all of us will be.
I can confidently say that over time, my team has learned to manage without me, and they have learned to do it quite well. I’ve also found myself saying far more often “I agree with that decision.” or “I would have made the same call as you.” This is a great feeling!
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.
Carriage Court Senior Living in Hilliard, OH 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 Dublin Methodist Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Heritage Golf Club, The Market at Hilliard, Ten Pin Bowling, Crooked Can Brewery & Center Street Market , and the Hilliard Family Aquatic Center.
