You may be thinking to yourself, how can I be a leader when I am not managing anyone? Many nannies out there ARE followers, however, we believe that the majority of Mom’s Best Friend nannies are leaders. If you are unsure, or are seeking areas of improvement, please review the following qualities of a nanny leader:
- I am a person of strong moral character (honest, accountable, kind, and respectful) who sets an example for others
- I have a strong intuition and am able to read situations and needs (employer needs and the needs of the children in my care)
- I am highly experienced and knowledgeable (child development, daily routine, parenting styles, etc.)
- I am consistent, dedicated, and loyal
- I am creative, thinking outside of the box
- I seek to continue to learn and improve, whether this means personal research, formal trainings, or networking with other nanny professionals to share tips and advice
- I don’t try to do it all (lots of activity is not necessarily an accomplishment), but I prioritize what really matters
- I am humble, with a strong sense of self-worth
- I have a positive attitude, and I see challenges as an opportunity
- I am vibrant, with a contagious zest for life
- I am not self-serving, but instead seek to leave a legacy – advancing, serving, and adding value to the lives of the children in my care – so that they will do great things without me in the future (as baseball great Jackie Robinson said, “A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.”)
- I am flexible, open to new ideas and ways of doing things; I am able to reflect on past mistakes and change course/adapt
- I connect deeply with the children in my care, building a relationship and believing in their potential
- I strive for excellence in all that I do, competing only with my own best self to continue to be better; I like to create “wow” moments in my job
- I prepare and plan, and put forth an effort to improve my craft
- I am an excellent communicator, keeping my employer informed about their children, their activities, their goals, and their progress
We are incredibly proud of our nanny community, and we know so many of you are leading the way for the industry. Remember that leadership is not a gift, it’s a practice. You can continue to use this guide to pat yourself on the back for your strengths, as well as to seek areas of improvement. But, don’t get complacent! We encourage you to practice ALL of the areas to keep being the best you can be! If you have any questions or need suggestions, please don’t hesitate to email us back.