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Abstract This paper reveals an observation of development and empowerment and how It affects leadership skills. I will compare similarities and differences of development and empowerment, while providing one specific example of each. An explanation of conclusions and/or Insights will be explained regarding a comparison of development and empowerment. I will examine the view of leadership authority and what I believe would be mostly likely to empower other individuals. Keywords: development, empowerment, effective leadership, comparison, leadership authority, similarities, differences Development and Empowerment
Effective leadership requires development of characteristics and strategies. Combined with empowerment to achieve desired goals. According to Manning and Curtis (2012), effective leaders are not born, but cultivated through hard work (p. 354). Development within a work setting Is seen In efforts used to Improve the employee’s facility to handle a variety of assignments. Cultivating the capabilities of employees beyond what is required in their current positions is another example of development.
Developing skills beyond an individual’s current position takes a leader capable of direction, guidance and recognition. According to Leadership Skills (201 1 Self- development Is the basis of successful leadership development Leaders should not micromanage, be overly concrete or fail to plainly state expectations and other inefficient behavior only happens through an increased self-awareness (Para. 7). An example of development In the workforce could be seen in cross-training employees for dual assignments.
Training employees to be a part of developing additional techniques to increase production will boost employee morale and overall production. Similarities of development and empowerment In this example could be en in the desire to see employees exceed their skill levels. Differences in the comparison could be noted by the training aspect as most important versus the Inspirational motivation of empowerment. Empowerment inspires employees to trust, invest and recognize their abilities to achieve desired goals.
According to Michaels (201 1), empowerment in the workforce is denned as knowing now to improve a work environment in order tort management and employees to work together to increase productivity and professional success. Companies that utilize empowerment understand the type of working relationship deed with its employees to enhance or take away from the overall production. Empowerment involves commitment throughout the company with respect to every employee (Para. 1). Empowering employees in the workforce provides an avenue of liberation to expand horizons, while increasing knowledge and skills.
An example of empowerment on the Job could be seen when a company shows recognition of the work by the employees exceeding production requirements. Benefits including bonuses, increased pay and Job promotion demonstrate an overall appreciation. Recognition and offering of benefits is liberating to employees and titivates continued work at the highest production level. Morale is boosted and less absences, requested time off and sick leave is seen with empowerment strategies. Successful leaders in the workforce understand this factor and incorporate it into their daily routines.
Similarities in empowerment as it pertains to development would be seen in the desire for production, but empowerment uses the approach of recognition and rewards; whereas, development focuses mostly on the training aspect. Conclusions and Leadership Authority Based on my comparisons, I believe development and empowerment is necessary to the success of any organization. Both strategies could function solely on their own, but to develop and increase morale and production a combination of the two is imperative for overall success.
Participative leadership is a powerful example of how to create both a humanistic and productive workforce. Involving individuals in achieving a complete understanding is necessary to accomplishing commitment. A participative leader understands the views of the people and is considerate of the interests of those affected by decisions are made. Being a leader can be challenging and rewarding if the proper strategies and characteristics are utilized within a given environment.