Leadership Framework for Human Services - Coursework Example

Sociology By [Sociology] of Introduction Leadership is a critical component in problem solving. Application of leadership theory depends on the case study or scenario under consideration. The common theory of leadership applied in numerous cases such as the one under study is the transformational. This essay seeks to examine the how the transformational leadership approach is used to solve the pending issue of funding at the Ageing Well Centre. In addition, the study will seek to provide a solution on the manner to carry on the programs in case the primary donor withdraws. On a similar note, the essay will seek to integrate social work values and ethics into the leadership approach. Transformational leadership offers numerous choices compared to others such as Command and control, charismatic among others. For instance, command and control is not suitable in our situation because we need a lot of diplomacy to create an understanding platform between our Centre and our financiers (BLAND, RNEOUF & TULLGREN, 2009). This implies that any form of leadership that has authoritarian elements may not work well for us. For the case of charismatic, it fits political scenarios, ours is a social case that needs procedural and diplomatic approach with an aim of safeguarding good relations even after differing ideologically (KOUZES, 2007). As a point of departure, the intended application and consequent effects of the transformational theory of leadership is a complex process, which requires a break down in form of diagram for easy understanding. Consider the following diagram, which is composed of four significant elements, which will be applied throughout our study in relative to the case under discussion. The diagram indicating the Transformational Leadership Approach + + + = Considering the situation in this case study, there is a sensitive matter to solve in a cautious manner. This follows the decision to apply the transformational leadership approach. To provide a brief explanation of the case scenario to be handled, we look at the aspect of threats of withdrawing funding from donors, if the money is not directed towards the initial intended projects such as health promotion (JONES & MAY 1999). Presently, it is considered that, the programs serviced by the donated funds are not a priority, however from my point of view these programs which include pastoral training, entertainment, training in computer and other areas of interest, supporting sporting activity competitions, personal care and other respite services are fundamental for the aged people. The donors compels that, all the funds received from them should be directed towards the health care promotions services which include podiatry, physiotherapy and speech pathology, counselling. This is a crisis for the Ageing Well Centre and it requires informed decisions attributed to an apt leadership approach like the transformational one as indicated earlier (BASS, 2008). This approach will help us to look to the pending uncertainties and create was of solving this problem. The reasons that led to the selection of the transformational leadership approach as a foundation component in this issue includes the following Individualized Consideration According to this approach of leadership, the element of individual consideration is fundamental in making a decision that may be deemed viable to both the rest of the members of this project and the donors. I will ensure that, communication is left open to get ideas from interested individuals and groups (HEALY, 2002). We should not lock out ideas for outside as long as they are in tandem with our internal organization in terms of the set goals. I believe with this spirit, we will listen to what our current donors feel that they should withdraw their funding. We have an obligation to listen from them. However, we are at liberty to give our mind and explore other options of sourcing funds (BASS, 2008). The necessity to apply the transformational leadership approach is that it provides a sense of understanding and patience. It is not authoritative instead represents a polite representation of views. This is critical in sustaining the relations between the parties involved. This leadership approach enhances ideological differences instead of personal differences. This implies that as the Centre’s coordinator, I will only differ with our donors based on the ideology. I will not allow myself to indulge in personal differences because they do not reflect the stature of great Centre we serve and the enshrined ethical conduct that we believe in as a team. Intellectual Stimulation The aspect of intellectual stimulation as enshrined in the leadership approach is fundamental in providing solutions through creativity. As a transformational leader and social worker, I will challenge the status quo and encourage creativity amongst my followers on how we can get funds from other sources to fund these activities, which I deem fundamental to the aged people. In addition, I will use this avenue to integrate the social work values and ethics such as service, integrity, competence, self-determination and dual relationships among others to my followers. This will increase the level of productivity and efficiency in our operations. On the other hand, our financiers believe that the aged should be satisfied with the health promotions services enlisted. This is not true; there is a lot to offer to this group of people to ensure that they are comfortable. In essence, some of the programs we offered besides the ones directed to us help a great deal in preventing diseases such as heart attacks, ulcers, and even cancer. The instructions that the funding may be stopped in case we continue supporting the present programs is ill- advised and I could seek a meeting and discuss the essence of promoting other programs for this group as they play a fundamental role in reducing the number of illness that attack these aged people. My decision to seek for a meeting, is because I believe that the donors can misunderstand the situation in the ground and it is better we discuss this issue face to face before they finalize their decision to cut the financial support they offer to our Ageing Well Centre. I believe that a solution can be found through the transformational approach. This approach enables leaders to seek for solutions to the present problems and a remedy for any future recurrences. The approach does not allow room for shifting blame; instead, it sticks to the elements of problem solving through wide range of consultations from relevant agencies and bodies. As an experienced social worker, I can ascertain that not all decisions and programs set out by the donors can be perfect or remain in tandem with the dynamics of the ageing people. I believe that, the other supporting programs that we have introduced are in tandem with the changing milieu of the ageing group across the world. In essence, instead of cutting down the finances, the donors should advice on other ways of sourcing for the finances to enhance smooth running of the activities. I believe that, after discussing this issue with the donors, they will find it essential to continue funding our centre for the sole benefit of the aged people. However, as an organization we are at liberty to search for other ways through which we can raise funds to sustain the efficient running of the centre. Application of transformational leadership approach will guide me to make decisions that can make the centre continue gaining and sustain good social relations with our donors. For instance, in the event that, the donors insists that their funding should be directed towards the intended health promotion services, then as an organization we should seek other ways such as charities and other Non-Governmental Organizations to help us raise the amount we require. For instance, I can project that we need approximately $6,000 per annum to manage the programs that we initiated besides the health promotional services. This is a considerable amount of money, which requires a clear-cut plan to raise it. Inspirational motivation As a social worker who wishes the aged people, well I will ensure that the inspirational motivation attributed to the transformational leadership has benefitted the Centre. This follows that; I will challenge all my followers to add more effort in undertaking activities that will benefit the Centre in terms of moral and financial support (LAWLER, 2007). I will facilitate this move by providing weekly lectures on relevant topics such as the significance of unity in working towards achieving the goal of the centre. In addition, I will organize seminars with other social groups such that, my followers can gain external experience, which I believe will be fundamental in steering our Centre forward. of Like in our present situation, we have a financial threat from our donors, I intend to motivate my followers to participate in charity walks to collect funds to help us sustain the programs that we had initiated in case the donors insists that we should not use the funds intended for health promotional services (GAINES, 1995). I will continue repeating our vision and the intended goals to my followers to keep their spirits of working high. All the followers should believe in their potentials and keep on motivating each other. Idealized Influence As a social worker and a strict believer of transformational leadership approach, I will ensure that my followers should learn and mimic my ethical and moral conduct and encourage others to practice positive qualities through seminars and weekly lectures on topics relate to personalized motivation and objective achievement. This will motivate my staff to work and increase productivity and efficiency (LAWLER, 2007). This earns us respect and admiration as a team. It acts a unifying element. It promotes togetherness even in our endeavours. Performance beyond Expectations This is the sum total of the above elements. This implies that if the above leadership elements are well applied then, our Centre will experience great height of performance. However, it should be known that united efforts form the fundamental component of achieving (LAWLER, 2007). Leadership is just the driving force, which must be directed towards certain efforts. In essence, teamwork, exemplary coordination, excellent communication channels and good leadership qualities make up an excellent pattern of achieving excellent performance. Critical evaluation of the potential implications of my leadership approach On the positive side, there numerous implication of the transformational leadership approaches. this include proper coordination of events, clear communication amongst the members and parties involved in the programs, apt consultations attributed to high level of diplomatic relations and the overall excellent performance. For instance, if we consider the aspect of diplomatic approach towards our financiers, this kind of leadership offers an opportunity to discuss such matters in friendly manner, which can only result to ideological differences (BASS, & RIGGIO, 2006). It is better to differ ideologically than at personal level. Social work and sector form the larger part of the corporate world because most of its sponsors are corporate organizations. Hence, it is ethical to handle is issues in a diplomatic and dignified manner. In addition, this approach will promote individual motivation amongst the parties involved in a project (LAWLER, 2007). Similarly, the approach will enable the management of an organization to reflect at the initial set goals and project on the timeframes of achieving them. The approach provides a leeway for criticism against the management in case of a misconduct or mismanagement. On the other hand, of the negative side, the transformational leadership approach may not provide the intended platform of discussing particularly if the one of the party believes in the command and control leadership. This is a dangerous aspect of this approach since it may not solve a problem in this scenario. I have been influenced on my approach to leadership through numerous aspects attributed to the social work sector. This is a sector that deals with the less privileged in the society such as the aged in our case (AASW, 2013). There is need for high moral standing to appreciate the transformational leadership approach. There is need for high level of discipline to exercise the duties that comes along with leadership. Areas that need further development I believe proper application of the transformational leadership approach will not leave any area of leadership for further development, because it entails all sectors of leadership. In essence, procedural application of this leadership approach will seal all loopholes. Conclusion In conclusion, the transformational leadership is best approach in this case because the aspect of diplomacy is fundamental in engaging the donors on the issues of financial threats that they have issued. In addition, this approach provides a platform for checks and balances to keep the top management accountable for their actions. The aspect of allowing each member’s views on an issue is fundamental in assessing diverse ideas before making a decision. This approach if well applied will see the organization go to higher levels in terms of management, production and efficiency. In terms of problem solving, this approach will provide solutions. These reasons sum up my choice for the transformational approach of leadership to tackle the issue in this study. List of references AASW, 2013. Practice Standards 2013, Canberra, Australia, Allen Ruth, Gilbert Peter, O.S, 2009. Leadership for personalization and social inclusion in mental health, Leicester. BASS, B. M. (2008). Transformational leadership: industrial, military, and educational impact. Mahwah, N.J., Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. BASS, B. M., & RIGGIO, R. E. (2006). Transformational leadership. Mahwah, N.J., L. Erlbaum Associates. BLAND, R., RNEOUF, N., & TULLGREN, A. 2009, Chapter 11, pp. 226-243, “Social work Leadership in mental health organizations”. In Social Work Practice in Mental Health: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, NSW. GAINES, L. M. (1995). Transformational leadership. St. Paul, MN, Redleaf Press. HEALY, K. 2002 “Managing Human Services in a Market Environment: What Role for Social Workers?”, British Journal of Social Work, vol. 32, no. 5, pp: 527ff IAAP, 2009. Leadership Theories and Styles JONES, A. & MAY, J 1999 Working in Human Service Organisations: A Critical Introduction, Longman, South Melbourne KOUZES, J.M, B 2007. The Leadership Challenge, An introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice, San fransisco: Sage, pp3-41, LAWLER, J, 2007. Leadership in Social Work: A Case of Caveat Emptor? British Journal of Social Work, 37(1), pp.123-141. Available at: http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/egi/doi/10.1093/bjsw/bch404 Read More