Together With

Good evening to our 6,444 subscribers.  Welcome to our community of SNF and senior living operators looking to share best practices and bring our best selves to serve our communities.

Follow the steps below, and I will reply to your email with the links to 6.75 free online NAB-approved CE opportunities.

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That's it.  I'll reply to your email with the links to obtain your 6.75 CEUs online and entirely for free.

Elevate your operation 

Preparing for the long haul

It's easy for us to get so far down in the weeds putting out constant fires that we lose track of the long game.  We lose sight of the groundwork we need to lay today to achieve the outcomes we want 6, 12, and 18 months from now.

It's not too late to start. 

Here are four critical strategies I learned the hard way throughout my career.  If you implement them consistently, they will help to elevate your career.  Please reply with any suggestions, comments, or disagreements, and I'll include your feedback in next week's newsletter.

1.  Develop bench strength

When I hire external or internal leaders, I talk openly about career opportunities including general timelines.  Succession planning shouldn't be on some secret document displayed behind a locked door.  For example, all of our assistant Administrators know they're on a 12-24 month trajectory toward a Director role.  The development plan is proven and in place, but it's up to the individual how long it takes to develop their skills.  We talk about their progress often and openly provide coaching and feedback. 

If there isn't growth potential internally for a specific role or the leader has no desire to move into a different position, then work with them to identify other goals and skills to work towards.

We all need to be challenged.  Talking about it openly promotes a healthy level of accountability and excitement about the future.

2.  Network, network, network

Early in my career, I didn't understand what networking meant and I looked down upon it as something I was too busy to waste time with.

If you struggle with this topic, I recommend you read or listen to "How to Be a Power Connector" by Judy Robinett.

As soon as I realized networking was about providing value to others, I was hooked.  There is something empowering, almost therapeutic, about going out of your way by utilizing your strengths to help others.  Over time you will see your good deeds come full circle as they develop into valuable relationships.

3.  Show tangible gratitude

In this industry, we are surrounded by caring people who go out of their way to help you whether you ask for it or not.  Find your unique way to say thank you in a tangible way.  You will immediately differentiate yourself and develop a reputation as someone worth investing in.  My tangible thank you= Edible Arrangement.  Who doesn't love getting a basket of fruit?

4.  Get your hands dirty

Get in that dish room and roll up your sleeves.  Empty some trash cans.  Make some beds.  Do something within your job description's "other duties as assigned" category.  Here's a great post on this topic from James Lee on LinkedIn.

These strategies stake time and patience to produce results.  Enjoy the process and keep your eye on the horizon.

Partners We Love

Together With HealthDrive

HealthDrive has over 30 years of experience as the leading provider of on-site healthcare services in long-term care. With nearly 500 medical and dental professionals and one million patient encounters per year, HealthDrive is fulfilling its mission "to elevate health outcomes and improve the quality of life." HealthDrive offers a variety of Dental, Podiatry, Optometry, Audiology, and Mental Health services within their markets. Innovative technology, administrative and regulatory support, as well as reliability, are just a few of the things that drive HealthDrive's commitment and continued success.

Not only is HealthDrive a partner of NHA Stand-Up, but they're also a partner I have utilized in the communities I support for years. Their model, ability to execute consistently, and reliability are spectacular. If you're interested in learning more, visit their website here and reach out to Rachel Wells at rwells@healthdrive.com.

Grab your coffee cocktail and make it a great day evening.  We appreciate you and your dedication to your team and residents. -Thank you!