Do you want to become a house manager, but are not sure whether it is the right choice for you? Do you know what makes a good house manager?
Becoming a house manager is an important decision to make, as you need to ensure that it is the right career choice for you. This is a very unique role and the tasks could change drastically on a daily basis. There are qualities and skills which will be required in this role, such as leadership and an eye for detail. So, the first step before deciding whether you would be a good house manager is to learn more about what is required from the role.
So what skills will a good house manager possess?
Calm and organised under pressure
A house manager role can be a manic one at times. Of course, this depends on the household but you could receive additional tasks or demands on a whim. If there is an event or a family gathering you could be tasked with organising everything, or ensuring other domestic staff in the house are working to schedule and even help if needed. This is why it is important to be calm and organised, as you will be in charge of making sure that tasks are completed and the house is in order.
Be versatile and flexible
Being a house manager is an extremely versatile role. So to be good at the role it is important that you can work in a fast-paced environment, with things constantly changing around you. Each day will be different and require a different set of skills. For example one day you may be in charge of sorting out maintenance issues in the property and the next preparing for a family gathering. The principal could also drop a task on you at any given time, so if you re comfortable with this type of situation then you definitely have what it takes to be a good house manager.
Leadership qualities and the ability to delegate
It is common for a house manager to be put in charge of other domestic staff on the property. For this reason, it is vital that you have leadership qualities or can learn how to manage quickly. As mentioned above a house manager will have a range of different tasks and will have a deadline to do them. This is why knowing how to delegate and manage others is so important. Common tasks may include chauffeuring the children to school, managing contractors on-site and helping out with housekeeping duties if needed. If something else pops up, you may not be able to finish it all. If you overload yourself with tasks, mistakes will be made or tasks will not be completed.
Know How To Delegate
A house manager should know how to delegate effectively, so if a situation arises and they or another staff member is overwhelmed. They should be able to use people to their strengths, find the right staff for the roles who can do their job really well. Doing this will mean everyone’s life is easier in the long run. The principal will be content as the tasks will be completed. And you will have to help other staff members less. So you can focus on getting your list of jobs completed to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Training and development
If you have had little to no experience in the field, you should do some training. So you can gain some experience to develop your skillset. This in turn will allow you to see if this is the right role for you. And if you would be good at it. Even house managers that have been in the role for a number of years look to training to learn. The industry is continuously changing. So in order to be a good house manager, it is pivotal that you invest in training.
Training is a way of becoming better in the role and more versatile. Therefore if you are really serious about becoming a house manager and want to be the best you can be, training is a very important step to take.
Are you more clear on what makes a good house manager? If you would like to train to become a house manager, Polo & Tweed can help! We are world-leading training providers to students all over the world. With an online academy for all our training courses too. Or if you are looking to apply for house manager roles? Why not register to be on our books so we can keep you informed of the best jobs, suited for you!