Be the Leader the Cleaning Team Needs

Key Takeaways:
• Leadership requires intentional visibility—for yourself and others.
• Great leaders are defined by consistency, not perfection.
• The most meaningful measure of leadership is developing other people.

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I grew up hearing the popular saying, "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have." It was often followed by a push to always go after your desires, and an explanation that by changing your mindset, you just might change the outcome. 

This was top of mind during a recent leadership session where a fellow leader talked about how visibility in the workplace doesn't wait, you have to seek it out. You must ask questions, identify goals, and then share them (out loud). Most importantly, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. She said, "Nobody can open a door for you if they don't know you're standing on the other side of it."  

The speaker was referring to young staffers hoping to grow, but I think an existing leader can learn from this, too. We need to be better about identifying these aspiring team members and how to steer them toward bigger opportunities.  

Leadership isn't just about advancing our own careers; it's also about recognizing potential in others and creating opportunities for them to advance. It's about our everyday actions that shape not only our own success but also the confidence and development of the team around us. 

Being a leader has taught me that people aren't looking for perfection. Instead, they're looking for consistency. They want leaders who communicate honestly, who admit when they don't know something, who keep showing up, and who create clarity during times of uncertainty. 

A good leader doesn't have to have every answer. They simply need the courage to make thoughtful decisions, adapt when necessary, and keep the team moving forward. Sometimes the greatest gift a leader can give is the confidence that the goal is still within reach. 

I've also learned that inspiring people is often the hardest part of leadership. It requires vulnerability, authenticity, and genuine engagement. You can't help people grow if you don't understand what's standing in their way. 

As a seasoned manager, I’m no longer defined by what I wear, but by how I show up. If we can create opportunities, build confidence, and help others become the leaders they're capable of being, then we're “dressing” for the job that matters most—the one our teams need us to do every day. 

Corinne Zudonyi has been in the commercial cleaning industry for over 20 years and is proud to serve as Editor-In-Chief of Contracting Profits (the official publication of BSCAI), Facility Cleaning Decisions, and Sanitary Maintenance (the North American media partner of Interclean Amsterdam) magazines, publications that serve the professional cleaning industry. Additionally, Corinne manages CleanLink.com, the leading digital resource for the commercial cleaning industry, and she uses her industry knowledge to steer educational topics for Clean Buildings at NFMT East.
Corinne is the sole U.S. representative to serve on the international Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Jury, where she weighs in on product trends impacting commercial cleaning on a global scale. She also works closely with Healthy Green Schools & Colleges to advance healthy and sustainable cleaning in educational facilities. As a member of the CLEAN Awards Jury, through the Building Service Contractors Association International, Corinne also helps recognize cleaning contractors and their companies for outstanding service to the industry.
Corinne can commonly be found moderating industry panel discussions, presenting education, and focusing on bringing awareness and affirmation for the wonderful work that people do to keep facilities clean and building occupants safe and healthy.
Follow Corinne on LinkedIn here.