January 27, 2024
At the beginning of each year, Michael Buckley, Arrow’s personal and professional development coach and “The Chief Feelings Officer,” asks each team member to pick a “Word of the Year.”
What does your life need more of right now?
And my life will be improved if I have more of what?
Michael reminds us that sometimes, we need more focus. Then, other times, it’s more compassion, and at times, we need more fun! In past years, team members have chosen words such as clarity, confidence, intentional, commitment, consideration, and receptiveness.
This year, team members are actively selecting a Word of the Year for themselves and collaborating to create a word for their community. Picking a personal word and community word is a commitment to doing work on themselves and the “we” and “us” work they want to accomplish as a community.
Transparency leads to trust with residents, families, and staff, which leads to relationships. Relationships lead to commitments. Residents will want to stay, families will be happy, and staff retention will grow. We will own our mistakes and keep to our word by being open and honest.
By setting an intention for the year, we’re shaping our community for success. This will let staff, residents, and families know they can or at least start to trust us and each other. Trust sets us up for success because it’s the one thing that leads to the success of everything else.
We will incorporate transparency into the community’s daily operations by using the word in huddles and conversations. Being an example of openness and letting staff, residents, and families know I am open and honest will set that example.
The most significant goals of the year for our community are to settle into new ownership and operations, policies, and roles. We all need to settle in and focus on the coming year to return to growing and succeeding. I plan to continue building the culture and stay on course. Kindness, trust, and dedication to each other will help foster growth. I am excited about the new journey we are taking.
The chosen Word of the Year should inspire the team. If it doesn’t, it means they selected the wrong word. Hold yourself and others accountable throughout the year. Engage with team members about their Word of the Year and keep it as a frequent topic of discussion in your community. Monitor your achievements using your 2024 Word of the Year, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating them with you!
The Plaza at Wildwood in Wildwood, MO offers independent living plus, 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. We are centrally located near Mercy Hospital with convenient access to attractions, including Pevely Farms Golf Club, B&B Theatres Wildwood 10, Wildwood Community Park, YMCA Wildwood, and the Hidden Valley Ski Resort.
