Title: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Senior Living: Ashley Taylor’s Journey Through Leisure Care’s GRIT Program

By Alissa Sauer | February 20, 2025

At Leisure Care, senior living transcends mere service—it’s an enthusiasm for forging significant connections and empowering individuals to flourish within a hospitality-driven community. At the heart of this mission lies the Growing, Reaching, Inspiring, and Teaching (GRIT) program, a groundbreaking leadership initiative aimed at discovering and developing the next generation of senior living professionals from within the organization.

Ashley Taylor, a recent alumna of the GRIT program and currently the Activities Assistant at The Landing of O’Fallon, exemplifies the essence of the program. Her narrative of personal development and leadership journey serves as a motivational reminder of the potential that unfolds when individuals are inspired to lead genuinely.

An Inspiring Dialogue that Ignited Leadership

Ashley’s path into leadership commenced with a seemingly straightforward conversation with her General Manager. Renowned for her friendly nature and knack for forming enduring relationships with residents and colleagues, Ashley had typically avoided management positions, fearing that they might disrupt the personal connections she cherished.

“My colleagues and management often tell me I excel at communication and forging meaningful relationships,” Ashley noted. “I always insisted that I didn’t want to enter management because I worried about losing those special connections. Then my GM remarked, ‘What if you could teach others how to create these meaningful connections?’ That sparked a new perspective, and GRIT became the subsequent phase.”

Learning to Lead with Assurance

The GRIT program offers much more than a leadership curriculum—it serves as a developmental journey. Through reading assignments, video modules, introspective writing, and collaborative interactions, participants are gently pushed beyond their comfort zones and towards their potential.

Ashley faced self-doubt as she embarked on the program, especially during the writing tasks. “I would find myself stuck, anxious about whether I was doing it correctly or if my thoughts were valid,” she recounted. Yet, she soon realized that embracing vulnerability could serve as a powerful asset in leadership. “Then I understood that the best approach was simply to be myself. I stopped second-guessing, expressed my genuine views, and my peers and management responded with tremendous warmth and encouragement.”

In the end, Ashley learned to wholeheartedly accept her leadership traits and to trust her instincts. “I possess numerous leadership qualities, and the GRIT program enabled me to gain confidence in embracing them,” she shared.

Looking Ahead: A Future Grounded in Connection

With the GRIT program behind her, Ashley is now armed with the tools, confidence, and insights required to shape her future in senior living. She aspires to broaden her influence by becoming a traveling team member, visiting various communities to aid in training and inspiring others to forge heartfelt connections.

Reflecting on her journey, Ashley remarked, “It helped me pinpoint my strengths and recognize areas where I can improve.” She remains committed to the mission of Leisure Care and feels honored by the company’s dedication to care. “I cherish the passion this organization has for its work,” she stated. “From top to bottom, I’m surrounded by individuals who genuinely care, and I have no desire to leave.”

Guidance for Aspiring Leaders

For those contemplating the GRIT program or any leadership pathway at Leisure Care, Ashley has a straightforward message: “Be authentic, stay positive, and the sky is the limit!”

The successful outcomes of the GRIT program, as evidenced by Ashley’s experience, highlight the significance of intentional leadership development within senior living communities. By emphasizing authenticity, connection, and growth, Leisure Care is not only enriching the lives of its residents—but also cultivating a workforce that leads with compassion.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leisure Care is hiring across the United States for passionate individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of older adults. Whether you’re at the start of your career or a seasoned professional seeking your next significant opportunity, consider joining a team that prioritizes personal growth, connection, and purpose.

Current Leisure Care employees interested in leadership development are encouraged to explore the Signature Programs section on the HUB to discover how to advance their careers through GRIT and other initiatives.

Learn more and apply at: https://www.leisurecare.com/careers/

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