1.  What skills and abilities does a manager need to lead effectively

Question 1

It is significant for a virtual manager to be extra organized in all its operations as it is difficult enough to get things running when there is personal interaction. In a virtual surrounding where there is minimal pressure to perform, a manager ought to keep on top of all things. Also, a virtual manager needs to always keep tabs on the employees and other stakeholders with the aim of marking every progress being made. Operating in a virtual environment has various challenges to those people accustomed to traditional work sectors in functional institutions (Freese, Schalk & Croon, 2011). Virtual programs need modern techniques that require an evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of non-traditional work.

Question 2

Empowerment typically increases self-confidence in a worker as an empowered employee becomes confident in his or her operations. The worker will gather experience in making tough decisions that are an indication that he or she can handle any situation at hand. The new confidence will typically compel the worker to strive harder and at a greater level than before. Moreover, empowerment increase satisfaction to a worker as knowing that the administration believes an employee can express himself allows the person to relax (Lee, 2010). There are some situations where the manager’s empowerment efforts might lead to de-motivation among workers especially when the process is being done under intense environment and a faster and unpleasing state.

Question 3

Some of the characteristics associated with open communication in an organization are when the workers are fully valued as they are the reservoir of data (Garon, 2012). They should be heard and made feel like they are making fundamental contributions in their workplace as the way in which employees listen to will shape to a large extent whether they feel valued. An open communication incorporates creative ways of handling issues arising within the institution as decency is not only welcomed but also rewarded.  Some of the organizational advantages of having an open communication include more productivity and also enhances performance as workers will be kept informed on what to be done and at what time.

Question 4

A business leader should have some qualities that suit his or her efforts to lead an institution or division regarding the continually changing environment. These qualities can be learned, acquired via education, or be achieved by incorporating new skills and technologies. Some of the essential personal traits useful to a business leader include honesty, openness, decisiveness and conscientiousness. Honest leaders will not only inspire other people through words but also through their actions as they continuously build their teams from the ground to the top. These traits are valuable in all situations within an organization and must be practiced by all executives who would want to have their businesses running and stable.

Question 5

Positive psychology has displayed how positive emotions are associated with several advantages including the improved health status, the wellbeing of a person. Personally, the managers should take part in assisting the employees in finding these fundamental elements as this will have a positive impact on the business performance.  These factors will increase production within the organization as happy people will always strive to make the best out of their efforts (Freese, Schalk & Croon, 2011). When the working moods become brighter, then workers will set higher goals and strive hard in achieving them. Executives should, therefore, put more effort in trying to discover worker’s pathways of happiness as this will positively have an impact on performance.

Question 6

Employee engagement typically talks about the connection and commitment that workers show towards a business thus resulting in higher degrees of productive work behaviors. Managers around the globe say that increasing worker’s engagement is among their top five universal business strategies. Not only does worker engagement have the advantage of profoundly affecting the employee retention, productivity, and loyalty, but also a fundamental link to client’s satisfaction, business reputation and general stakeholder value. A majority of managers already know that worker engagement directly impacts a business financial status and profitability. As observed by Albrech, S. L. (2011), only 40 percent of employees are engaged at work; thus, many have a significant duty of unlocking the full potential of their workforce.

References

Albrech, S. L. (2011). Handbook of employee engagement: Perspectives, issues, research and practice. Human Resource Management International Digest, 19(7).

Freese, C., Schalk, R., & Croon, M. (2011). The impact of organizational changes on psychological contracts: A longitudinal study. Personnel Review, 40(4), 404-422.

Garon, M. (2012). Speaking up, being heard: registered nurses’ perceptions of workplace communication. Journal of Nursing Management, 20(3), 361-371.

Lee, J. A. (2010). The empowerment approach to social work practice. Columbia University Press.