What It Takes To Be A Successful Custodial Manager

I have worked in this industry for the last 11 years and I’ve met a lot of managers. Overwhelmingly, I have found that those that are most successful, most innovative and most talked about by others in the industry all share three distinct attributes: a positive attitude, determination and a strong respect for their teams.

Sure, all managers should be able to crunch budget numbers, spellbind large groups when presenting policies, handle conflict, and execute cleaning fundamentals day in and day out. But those that stand out in this industry do more than what’s outlined in any job description.

For example, I can’t remember a job listing that required a positive attitude in potential candidates. Yet cleaning executives that excel in this industry don’t let obstacles discourage them. They are flexible, adaptable and see change as an opportunity, instead of a struggle. They even take this further and spread that energy to their staffs.

Managers that are accepting of, and better yet, excited about an opportunity are far more likely to get their teams on board with the change. The camaraderie that results opens the door for dialogue about new ideas and process improvements between managers and their staffs.

Determination is another trait of some of the most successful managers I know. Take, for example, our Managers of Distinction award winners. Those recognized this year, as well as winners from years past, tend to set high, but attainable, standards for themselves and their teams, then do whatever it takes to achieve them.

Whether it’s becoming green certified, overhauling processes, or achieving a specific level of clean on a reduced budget, the best managers don’t settle. They are determined to excel at the task. The benefit to this — in addition to achieving success — is that when employees see that their managers demand excellence from themselves, they’re more likely to mirror that mind-set. 

Lastly, in the cleaning industry, I’ve found that managers are far more interested in boasting about their teams than they are in speaking about their own personal accomplishments. These executives know that they can’t accomplish their goals without the support and hard work of their staffs. Success is often a team effort and these managers are more than happy to share the limelight.