# **Empowering Leaders in Senior Living: The GRIT Program at Leisure Care**
At Leisure Care, cultivating a hospitality-centered senior living environment goes beyond mere mission statements—it’s a promise to nurture the growth and achievements of staff members. The **Growing, Reaching, Inspiring, and Teaching (GRIT) program** epitomizes this promise, providing team members with the chance to cultivate leadership abilities while preserving significant relationships with residents, families, and colleagues.
## **Fostering Leadership Internally**
A notable illustration of GRIT’s transformative effect is **Ashley Taylor**, a recent graduate of the program currently serving as the Activities Assistant at [The Landing of O’Fallon](https://www.leisurecare.com/our-communities/landing-of-ofallon/). Ashley’s path to leadership commenced with an enlightening discussion with her General Manager, who prompted her to see leadership as a chance to instruct others in creating meaningful connections.
> *“I always claimed I didn’t want to take on management because I feared losing that special bond. Then my GM said, ‘What if you could coach others on how to forge these meaningful connections?’ That reshaped my perspective, and GRIT was the logical next step.”* – Ashley Taylor
## **Cultivating Confidence Through Education**
The GRIT program aims to push participants through diverse educational experiences, such as **readings, video segments, and written reflections**. For Ashley, the written elements felt daunting at first, as she doubted the value of her insights. Nevertheless, she quickly understood that her authentic self was her greatest asset in leadership.
> *“I stopped overanalyzing, expressed my genuine thoughts, and the feedback from my colleagues and management was incredibly warm and supportive.”*
This transformation in her mindset enabled Ashley to trust her inherent abilities, instilling the confidence necessary to embrace leadership roles while leveraging her distinctive strengths.
## **Equipping for a Meaningful Career in Senior Living**
Through GRIT, Ashley recognized her strengths and areas for further development. With newfound insight into her capabilities, she aspires to become a **traveling team member**, visiting various communities to assist staff in forging meaningful relationships with residents.
> *“I love the passion this company embodies for its mission. From top management to my colleagues, I’m surrounded by individuals who genuinely care, and I have no desire to leave.”*
Her narrative is not merely motivational—it serves as a potent reminder that true leadership is founded on authenticity, connection, and the openness to adopt new viewpoints.
## **Promoting Growth and Career Progression**
Ashley’s advice to upcoming GRIT participants is straightforward:
> *“Be genuine, stay positive, and the possibilities are endless!”*
Leisure Care is dedicated to creating avenues for career advancement, providing pathways for employees to flourish within the organization while upholding the empathetic service that characterizes senior living.
If you’re enthusiastic about making an impact in the lives of seniors and wish to explore growth opportunities in this fulfilling sector, *Leisure Care is currently hiring at locations across the country.* Prospective employees can also discover more about professional development initiatives through the **Signature Programs tab on the HUB** or delve into **internship and advancement opportunities [here](https://www.leisurecare.com/internships/).**
Engaging in senior living is not merely a profession—it’s a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy while pursuing work that you are passionate about.