Is empowerment just a management buzzword?
Empowerment is one of those great ‘buzzwords’ in business. The culture aficionados will tell us it is key to an organisation’s overall success.
Business leaders will say that they train their staff to ensure they are better empowered to do their job. Yet, when you scratch away at the surface, the training is all about compliance. Manual handling. Fire safety. Emergency procedures. All important – Yes. But is this empowerment?
For all the talk about the importance of a skilled work force, there is a missed opportunity if time, energy and spending is on simple compliance training. There needs to be a shift to thinking about capability building.
Capability building goes beyond traditional training; it’s about fundamentally changing how work is done and energising employees from bottom to top.
Lets take a moment to explore how Village Professionals can drive and influence your own capability, as well as those around you.
From Skilled to Capable
Consider the use of a Capability Assessment. This is a valuable tool at the core of identifying an individual’s current skills and creating a plan to make them more capable.
The enhancement of their skills, knowledge and competencies can be achieved through various means such as professional development programs, reflective learning, and networking. By equipping employees with the necessary tools and expertise, they are better prepared to handle the diverse needs of your residents, ensuring a higher level of service and care.
For the Benefit of Operational Efficiency
As you develop the capabilities of yourself and your team, one of the immediate benefits your business will realise is in the form of operational efficiencies. As you and your team become more proficient in your roles, you become more confident in streamlining processes, reducing errors, and enhance overall productivity.
In time creates a Culture of Continuous Learning
Capability building is an ongoing process. One that takes time to develop in the first instance. But, becomes an ongoing commitment we make as leaders to develop ourselves and our teams.
By prioritising this process, we cultivate a culture of continuous learning and development whereby employees are encouraged to better themselves. Through this commitment, your team becomes more motivated, engaged, and committed to delivering exceptional service. This is to the benefit of your business, and your residents.
Enhancing Resident Engagement
A well-trained and skilled workforce is empowered to engage with residents effectively. Whether it’s addressing their concerns, organising recreational activities, or simply providing companionship, capable staff members can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment. This, in turn, fosters stronger bonds between residents and staff, leading to a more fulfilling living experience for the residents.
As you head into the new financial year, which generally brings with annual performance review meetings, take a moment to consider what it would take to really develop your capability, and those of your team. The benefit is you can turn empowerment from a management buzzword, into something that has a positive impact on your business, and the experience of your residents.
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