Did you ever notice that your best leadership lessons come from the moments that go sideways? Or does that just happen to me? Take for example what I now lovingly refer to as, “Sweatshirtgate”…
Many years ago a brutal snowstorm hit New Jersey. Our team members still showed up to work even though some of them spent hours getting there! I was overcome with gratitude and I wanted to show it so I decided to gift everyone sweatshirts with our company logo.
The first day of handing out sweatshirts I was hit smack in the face with reality. Handing out dozens of sweatshirts during my already packed day was a logistical nightmare. Someone was at my door every two minutes! So I decided instead of everyone coming to my office to grab a sweatshirt and a hug (you know me…gotta get in those hugs!) I dropped the sweatshirts off with the receptionist so team members could grab them on their way in or out of work.
A week later, I heard the whispers: “Denise didn’t even thank us. She didn’t care that I walked through a snowstorm to be here.”
I was angry. What were these ungrateful people talking about?! But now, looking back, I know EXACTLY what went wrong. It wasn’t about the sweatshirt. It was about the feeling behind the recognition. I hadn’t delivered it in a way that felt personal or meaningful. As Homer Simpson would say, “Doh!”
That experience, that I now lovingly refer to as Sweatshirtgate, is a big part of why I’m excited to present a FREE five-part webinar series, The Impactful Leader, sponsored by Eldermark.
Eldermark is everything senior living communities need to run their business in one platform. With over 30 years of experience, they help you capture 100% of revenue, stay ahead of regulatory compliance, and make life easier for your team. From clinical tools to billing, dining, and resident engagement, Eldermark keeps everything connected so you can run your community smoothly, grow confidently, and focus on providing the best care possible to residents.
Like me, you’ve probably learned the hard way that leading people isn’t always easy, which is why The Impactful Leader series focuses on the simple, research-backed behaviors that make the biggest difference. The first session of The Impactful Leader is Encourage the Heart. It’s about learning the practices behind appreciation that make people feel valued. And trust me, after working with thousands of leaders around the country, appreciation is harder to get than most leaders realize! If you’ve ever tried to show appreciation and it didn’t land (Hello, Sweatshirtgate!) this session is for you!!
With hugs (not hoodies),
Denise
PS. Feel free to forward this email to other leaders that can benefit…and honestly that’s EVERY leader you know!
