How to create an unstoppable workforce in your cleaning business

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Are you looking to create a workforce for your maid service that can withstand the weather of any storm? We think it’s possible. In this article, we’re sharing the three key traits that will empower you to transform your team and the framework needed for hiring inspired by Libby DeLucien.

Libby DeLucien’s story of overcoming chaos and building an extraordinary team
The three key traits of an unstoppable workforce
Combining the three traits to create your unstoppable workforce
Libby’s Framework for Hiring
Wrapping Up

The importance of a strong workforce during economic uncertainty

A recession poses a significant threat to any cleaning business. With economists predicting a potential economic downturn, it is vital for cleaning businesses to prepare for the possibility. So we have to ask: is your maid service recession-proof? No matter your answer, an exceptional workforce can enable your cleaning business to adapt to changing market conditions and thrive, even in the face of adversity.

Libby DeLucien’s story of overcoming chaos and building an extraordinary team

Before we explore the three key traits, consider Libby DeLucien’s story. Libby owns a multi-million dollar software company, but she didn’t always have the success she sees today. In the midst of owning a cleaning business, her life grew chaotic, and her company struggled with inconsistency, constantly trying to put out fires. But, after life-changing training, she created an unstoppable workforce. Implementing the strategies with her leadership team, she now enjoys a fantastic team that works cohesively, allowing her to savor life while expanding her businesses. Now, let’s dive into the tools she used to do it.

The three key traits of an unstoppable workforce

According to Patrick Lencioni’s book, “The Ideal Team Player,” three traits are essential for every team member: humble, hungry, and smart. Here’s a 30,000-foot view of each one:

Humble: Putting the Team First

Humble individuals prioritize others, hold a modest opinion of themselves, and remain open to learning from their peers. They don’t claim to possess all the answers, but welcome feedback and opportunities for personal development. Collaboration and a team-oriented mindset are indispensable in creating a cohesive workforce.

Hungry: Driven to Succeed

Being hungry means having an innate drive to succeed, a willingness to work diligently, and a constant thirst for improvement. Hungry individuals exhibit a strong work ethic, approach their tasks with urgency, and demonstrate a passion for their work. They refuse to settle for the status quo, continuously seeking avenues for growth and advancement.

Smart: Building Effective Relationships

Smart individuals possess emotional intelligence and excel in interpersonal interactions. They can understand others, communicate effectively, and establish strong relationships. They grasp the impact of their behavior on colleagues, showing respect and empathy. Smart team members contribute to a positive work environment and skillfully resolve conflicts.

Combining the three traits to create your unstoppable workforce

When team members embody all three traits, an unstoppable workforce starts to take shape. Humble individuals prioritize collaboration, hungry individuals work tirelessly to improve, and smart individuals build effective relationships. Together, they form a cohesive team capable of surmounting any challenge.

To cultivate an unstoppable workforce, you must focus on hiring and developing team members who embody these three traits. So, how do you find these amazing people?

First, you can start within your maid service by fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Encourage your team to actively seek feedback and seize opportunities for growth. Provide regular training and development programs that equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Celebrate their achievements and milestones along the journey to keep morale high and motivation soaring.

Another must-have strategy is to lead by example. As a leader, you set the tone for your team. Embrace humility, exhibit a hunger for success, and demonstrate smart interpersonal skills in your own actions and decisions. Encourage and acknowledge these traits in your team members, holding everyone accountable for upholding them consistently.

Libby’s Framework for Hiring

Now you have the key traits to look for and cultivate in your cleaning business — are you ready to hire that workforce that can weather any storm? Let’s explore a framework to help you identify and hire your rockstar employees.

1. Ditch Traditional Interviewing

Bid farewell to the conventional interview format that takes place across a table in your office — it’s time to inject creativity into your hiring process. Instead of a standard interview, consider observing your candidates in real-life scenarios. For instance, take them out for a coffee and arrange for the waiter to “accidentally” mess up their order. This can provide insights into how they handle stress and challenging situations, offering a glimpse into their character.

2. Master the Art of Asking Questions

It’s not just about the questions you ask; it’s about how you ask them. Experiment with different variations of the same question, relying on your intuition. For instance, inquire about their approach to handling workplace stress, then follow up with a scenario where schedules might need to be changed unexpectedly. You can delve even deeper by asking how a close friend would describe their stress management skills. This multi-dimensional approach will help paint a comprehensive picture of the candidate’s work style and capabilities.

3. Authenticity Matters

Provide candidates with an authentic and transparent portrayal of what working for your company is like. This allows them to assess their compatibility with your company culture. Be forthright about the challenges and rewards that can come with working in the cleaning industry. Filtering out ill-fitting candidates during the interview process is more effective than a few months into training.

Remember, as you interview candidates, you are also showcasing your company to them. Highlight the unique aspects of your business that set it apart from the competition. Share your company culture, values, and mission. Doing so will attract candidates who resonate with your vision and are eager to contribute to your success.

Invest in Training and Development

Building your epic workforce doesn’t stop the moment you make a great hire. Investing time or money (or both) into a comprehensive training program is vital. Training sets your new hires up for success from day one. Provide them with the necessary tools and resources to carry out their roles effectively while communicating your expectations clearly. And as it turns out, we’re pretty passionate about the topic of hiring and training at ZenMaid: check out our extensive list of free resources about it.

Wrapping Up

Creating an unstoppable workforce for your cleaning business is an achievable goal. You can foster a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team by prioritizing the three key traits of humility, hunger, and smartness. Remember, it’s not just about hiring the right people; it’s about nurturing and developing these traits in your existing team members as well. Now, go out and get those great team members — we’re over here cheering you on!

Next steps

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This talk first aired at the 2022 Maid Service Success Summit. The Maid Summit is an annual online event that brings together the most successful leaders in the cleaning industry, like Debbie Sardone, Angela Brown, Courtney Wisely, Amy Caris, Chris Schwab, and more. Get free access to masterclasses and workshops to help you grow, scale, and automate your cleaning business to get more leads and profit. Make sure you’re on our email list to find out how to get free tickets to the next event.