Communication, Delegation, and Empowerment - Report Example

Communication, Delegation and Empowerment Name Institution COMMUNICATION Leadership, as it has been defined on many occasions is the ability to influence (Drennan & Richey). Regardless of the organization, setup and any other affiliation that may bring some differences, a successful leader is the one who has the ability to influence. Of the many characteristics of good leaders, the ability to effectively communicate is very essential. According to Miller (2010), communication is an art. It involves speaking and listening which implies that it is receptive as well as expressive. Communication in this context is the ability to relay a message across a certain media. The effectiveness of communication is when the sender and the receiver express understanding of the message that was transmitted. Therefore, a good leader is the one who is in a position to effectively communicate a message across to the audience. In the context of children, this is very crucial. It has a role in the growth and development of a child. Just like any other person who requires sufficient mentorship to achieve certain goals in life, children require effective leadership to attain specific levels in life. The children as well require an environment that will promote their growth and development. Communication skills are an ingredient that helps create this kind of environment. Good communication leads to a cohesively organized institution that facilitates development of the student. The essence of good communication skills when working ina childcare centre can never be overemphasized. It determines the quality of environment from which learning among children goes on. Through communication, the management is in a position to transmit information and knowledge to the whole institution. According to Nobile & McCormick (2008), the ability to effectively communicate enables the management to effectively communicate strategies of the organizations to the stakeholders. These strategies can be in form of acquisition of resources that will assist the organization achieve its goals. Failure to communicate effectively will lead to a breakdown in important activities of the organization. It is a skill that enables one to cause things to happen in the organization. In a situation of a childcare centre, these policies and directly affect the welfare of children. When strategies are effectively designed and communicated, the children will be in a position to access all that is required for their growth. Besides, good communications are essential when it comes to conflict resolution especially between workers and other stakeholders (Alysa, 2005). The leader who can effectively communicate is better placed to handle this kind of challenges that occur almost on a regular basis. This can be best understood from the point of first understanding the implications of conflicts in an organization. These include termination of services being offered to children. A leader, who is endowed with the ability to effectively communicate, will not only help solve conflicts, but also prevent such issues from emerging in the future. In so doing, this will be creating an environment that supports the well-being of students. This comes with a bunch of benefits not only to the children, but also to the entire organization. Another essential aspect of communication is how it affects interpersonal relationship. The precursor of effective communication between two parties is good relationship. In other words, according to Nobile & McCormick (2008), effective communications can only be founded on good interpersonal relationship. This will encourage cohesiveness in everything that happens inside and around the organization. This will create an environment that is suitable for academic pursuit. It will facilitate an atmosphere that supports development and growth of the child. At the same time, the organization requires a lot of guidance and direction in order to achieve common goals. Utilization of listening and speaking skills is very important in ensuring the activities of the organization go on effectively. This can involve first creating a corporate culture and image that defines the organization (Curtis & Connel, 2009). The image and the culture of the organization are very important when it comes to selling the organization to the outside world. Attaining this height requires communication skills by the leader. This is an avenue that a leader can use to ensure the organization creates an outlook that reflects the virtues and values being developed. The leader uses communication skills in listening to understand issues at stake and communicating the course of action to the members of the organization. In real sense, ineffective communication will therefore lead to ineffective leadership. This therefore requires that management take this aspect of communication very seriously to ensure that every entity of the organization is effective enough to discharge its duties. The place where this leadership skill is supposed to be applied in a way that will affect the life of a child is not limited to any factor. Communication is a multifaceted activity which can be approached from diverse angles. There is absolutely no limitation in respect to the place where communication aspect of leadership is supposed to be demonstrated in the early part of children’s life. Nevertheless, there are significant avenues where children benefit more from this leadership skill. One of them is in school. This is the most effective setting where a student will benefit greatly indirectly. Effective communication in schools only helps ensure that the learning atmosphere is conducive. Another point where communication skills can be used to impart the life of children is the homes. Parents happen to spend a substantial time with their children. Based on this, they have a role in positively influencing the life of their children through effective communication. This can be exhibited in the way the way the relay information amongst themselves. This can be through ensuring that communication is not hampered by emotions. Controlling emotions is very criticalin communication and helps to ensure accuracy in the message being delivered (Invernizzi & Romenti, 2011). Such an environment is good enough to facilitate the growth and development of children. Whenever there is a breakdown in communication between parents, children are the most likely victims of that particular breakdown. Therefore, parents must enhance their art of communication between themselves to ensure that it does not become a hindrance to the life of their children. Just like in the case of where to administer these programs, when to administer also does not have an absolute timing. Communication as a leadership style is very important not only in a childcare organization, but in every organization at all times. Communication continues to be an instrument that drives the mission of an organization (Miller, 2011). The need for communication will never be effectively met as long as the organization is a going concern. The organization designs a roadmap on how to achieve its goals and objectives. These objectives can only be achieved when team leaders are in a position to communicate the necessary information to facilitate the achievement of these goals. The goals of the organization are what organizations are created for. This is why communication remains paramount to any institution. For the welfare of children to be guaranteed, there is to need to facilitate communication in the institution. In other words, communication in an organization is throughout the life of the organization. This comprises of childcare centres as well. Communication should be modelled as the only way of ensuring that an organization is running well. There are many advantages that come with effective communication in an organization. This is basically the heartbeat of every organization. Effective communication allows leaders to listen to the issues surrounding the organization. Through listening, they are able to come up with strategies that are meant to provide solutions to problems facing the organization (Miller, 2011). Good listening skills allow managers and other staff members to make consultations from team members. This is the fountain of innovative and creative ideas. Good listening skills exhibit an attitude of trusting other members of the team. Therefore, according to Nobile and McCormick (2008), a good communicator is able to foster an atmosphere that will facilitate achievement of goals of the organization. Similarly, good communication is useful in providing the appropriate feedback to employee performance. This can be expressed through performance appraisal reports. When staff members receive appraisal reports that are not just critical, but appreciate the contributions made by these staff, they will be encouraged to work hard. It is also meant to motivate the staff to work diligently. At the end of it, the welfare of children in such organizations will be greatly uplifted. There are a number of approaches that a leader can use to effectively communicate with other members of staff. It is very important to note that these approaches can be varied depending on the leader and personal abilities. Nevertheless, one way in which a leader can exhibit effective communication has been through expression of humour while talking to members. This meant to address very many issues in the organization that are inherent among the staff members. It encourages enthusiasm and participation in the activities of the organization. It can also be expressed through effective body and sign language. Through this, the leader is able to communicate so many things that may be inexpressible in words. Besides, a leader can achieve effective communication through utilizing listening skills to understand the issues of the members. This is the beginning to solving of the issues that affect institutionsthat may ultimately affect the academic performance of the children. Anybody who gets a chance to interact with children has a role to play in cultivating good behaviour and other virtues in children. These categories of people include teachers, parents, relatives and the society at large. All these have a responsibility of nurturing children young people in various aspects of life. How effective these categories of people can be in helping children is dependent on how good they are in terms of communication. Good communication skills will enable them adequately meet the needs of young people. That is to imply that DELEGATION AND EMPOWERMENT Delegation refers to choosing someone else to perform a task in the place of his or her senior. Therefore, delegation follows the hierarchy of senior to junior and not the other way round. Effective delegation occurs when the delegate is able to discharge the duties and responsibilities given to him (Wilson, 2009). That is to imply, he should have the professional competence to deal with the delegated task. At the same time, when a particular task is delegated to a certain personnel, necessary resources must be availed to him to facilitate the discharge of those responsibilities. In the case where someone is delegated to a certain responsibility, there are specific guidelines that he is expected to follow in order to achieve defined objectives. In the setting of a childcare centre, it is very important to understand the importance of delegation. It is important to delegate duties to officers in the organization that have the ability to manage them. Empowerment is giving power and autonomy to someone in order to take charge over a certain activity (Weshani, 2012). Therefore, when someone is empowered, he must be given proportionate power and resources to be able to discharge the responsibilities that have been directed at him. This is important in the setting of a childcare centre. Empowerment should be undertaken through appropriate means to ensure that qualified personnel are given proportionate responsibilities to handle. How good empowerment is undertaken will obviously affect the welfare of a child in a childcare centre. It involves charging appropriate duties to the staff either in charge of children or resources in the organization. When resources are managed well, it will improve the livelihood of children living in the childcare centre. Both delegation and empowerment have their place in the management of a childcare centre. This is based on the understanding that the leader cannot discharge all the duties. He has to give these responsibility to qualified staff them on either on their own or on their behalf. When this is achieved, it will greatly improve the overall welfare of the children. There are many ways through which this leadership function can help better the welfare of the children in a childcare centre. This can be attributed to the good management of resources of the organization. Delegation is essential in ensuring the workload does not overwhelm the leader (Weshani, 2012). There is no reason a leader should be overburdened with some responsibilities which his juniors are well capable of doing. As an organization grows, the role of the leader streamlines towards strategic management and decision making. Therefore, for a leader especially in childcare centre, delegation helps in ensuring that most of the routine and manual activities are allocated to the juniors while he takes up the strategic management. This ensures that senior managers are able to focus and give adequate attention to the most important tasks in the organization. This will enhance effective leadership and management of the organization. When this becomes a reality, the organization will be able to meet all its long-term and short-term goals. Furthermore, effective delegation and empowerment is a tool used to motivate members of the organization. When duties are delegated to someone, he feels regarded and valued. This greatly influences the discharge of their duties which facilitates attainment of better results. At the same time, delegation and empowerment is a significant tool used for on job training (Harris & Ogbonna, 2011). Through these skills, staff members are fully equipped to attain professional competence. This does not only boost the performance of the staff, but impacts on every aspect of the organization. Similarly, empowerment helps strengthen all dimensions of human resource asset in the organization. It helps the organization to address the main objectives with a lot of ease. It is one way through which employees experience job satisfaction. The fruits of job satisfaction are increased returns. This implies that the children’s welfare will greatly improve. This will provide children an avenue to pursue excellence not just in academics, but in every aspect of their life. Early childhood stage is very significant in overall growth and development of children. It is a stage where children must be accorded adequate care, which is a prerequisite to academic excellence and general aspects of life. This leadership skill benefits the child from various setting. These settings include homes, schools, childcare centres, etc. In homes, the parents have a responsibility of ensuring that whoever they leave their children into their care is equipped to affect the life of child positively. Parents have a responsibility of ensuring whoever takes charge of their children is capable of mentoring their kids appropriately. In school setting, the teachers are charged with the responsibility of nurturing children. They have to ensure that whoever they entrust these children to must be able to take good care of the children. Without adequate skills of delegation and empowerment, this may not be easily realized (Weshani, 2012). The same concept is applicable in a childcare centre. The management is responsible for ensuring the children receive utmost care and protection. Therefore, leaders must adequately delegate and empower the staff in order to take charge of the duties under their custody. The significance of this skill cannot be restricted to any time. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasise how significant it is in the life of a child. The children requirefavourable environment to facilitate development and growth. Making this possible requires leadership skills that are essential in creating an environment that will support development and growth. The skill of delegation and empowerment is crucial in creating this particular environment. In the way this leadership skill affects the development of a child, it is evident that it leaves a greater impact when exercised at an early age. This is the stage where children require a lot of guidance on every aspect in life. Of the many factors that children require at this stage, none of them may be accomplished by children on their own (Weshani, 2012). Therefore, they require guidance and mentorship. This demands that any person in charge of these children must understand the need for proper delegation of duties and empowerment. He must ensure that the needs of children are made through proper delegation and empowerment. Therefore, this skill is very important in the environment meant for child growth and development. When this is well utilized at an early stage in the life of a child, they will grow to attain greater heights in academics and other aspects of life. In analysing the relevance of this particular leadership skill, we come to understand why it is important. In an environment that is meant to enhance the well-being of children, efficient utilization of resources is very crucial. Children require both intellectual and physical development. All these aspects of growth must be adequately addressed in order for a child to grow up balanced in every part of their life. To make these resources available to these children, proper management is very important. Understanding and applying delegation and empowerment is required for optimum management of resources (Wilson, 2009). Without it, resources in the custody of such institutions like charity and other childcare centres may be misused if not wasted. Therefore, the role of a manager in an institution like this is to undertake appropriate delegation and empowerment of employees to make sure the resources needed by children are available. This is one way through which the welfare of a child in such an institution can be guaranteed. In relation to how to implement this particular skill in a childcare institution setup, it all begins with the top leadership. In developing any culture in an organization, it always begins with the top management (Drennan & Richie, 2012). It is easier for the top management to influence any value that is required in the organization. The same policy is applicable when an organization intends to create a culture of productive delegation and empowerment. The whole institutions must be enlightened for them to understand the importance and applicability of this particular skill. This will be focused on ensuring the whole institution is in the same gear going the same direction. This will only happen when mobilization begins from top management. Besides the normal internal emphasis, workshops can also be organized to ensure this the whole organization is enlightened. Just as earlier stated, the art of delegation and empowerment begins with the top leadership. Nevertheless, this is not limited to top leadership. Every stakeholder has a part to play in the implementation and effectiveness of delegation and empowerment practices. When the culture of delegation and empowerment has taken roots, it definitely becomes the responsibility of everyone in the organization. This will create an environment good enough for the growth and development of children. References Alysa, G. (2005). 12 secrets of effective business communication.Posted in HW– 35 comment by Noupe. Blalock, M. (2005).Listen up, why good communication is good business. Wisconsin Business Alumni update. Curtis, E. & Connel Rhoda.(2009). Essential leadership skills for motivating and developing staff.Nursing Management, 18(5), 32-35. Drennan, F. & Richey, D. (2012).Skills-Based Leadership: The First-Line Supervisor Part 1. Professional safety, 57(2), 59-63. Harris, L. C. & Ogbonna, E. (2001).Leadership style and market orientation: an empirical study. European Journal of marketing, 35(5/6), 744 – 764. Invernizzi, E. & Romenti, S. (2011). Strategic Communication and Decision-Making Process Torward the Communication Oriented Organization. Academicus, 3, 12-27. Jones, M; Lavelle, D. & Tod, D. (2011).Developing Communication and Organizational skills: The Elite Life Skills Reflective Practice Intervention. Sports Psychologist, 25(2), 35-52. Miller, K.(2011). Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes. New York: Wordsmith Publishing. Nobile, J. & McCormick, J. (2008).Organizational Communication and Job Satisfaction in .Australian Catholic Primary Schools. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 36(1), 101-122. Weshani, H. (2012). The Perception of Empowerment and Delegation of Authority by Teachers in Australian and Jordanian Schools: A Comparative study. European Journal of Social Science, 31(1-3), 359-375. Wilson, J. (2009). The Art of Delegation and Empowering Others.PT in Motion, 1(3), 10. Read More