Power dynamics exist in the workplace , and power inequality is often more evident in workplaces where more men than women hold senior positions . Although all colleagues are dependent on each other to some extent , there are occasions where one person can be more dependent on another because their job security is , or could appear to be , at stake . This can lead to inequality and affect employee empowerment in the workplace .
An abuse of power can also lead to bullying . The Anti- Bullying Alliance defines bullying as : “ the repetitive , intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group , where the relationship involves an imbalance of power . Bullying can be physical , verbal or psychological . It can happen face-to-face or online .”
BVNA Members Advisory Service ( BMAS ) was recently contacted by a BVNA member who had received an inappropriate and unprofessional message from their clinical director . We advised the member to raise their concerns about the message with the sender and we discussed the options of doing this informally or by using the relevant grievance procedure .
However , despite the member consulting BMAS , they may not have felt sufficiently empowered to complain to a senior member of the team about the inappropriate communication . They could also have been subject to bullying by the sender of the message , which may have made it more difficult for them to make a complaint and , ultimately , resolve the issue and improve their working environment .
" In dignified work relations , people carefully avoid taking advantage of the inherent vulnerability of the employment relationship and power differentials in organisations .”
Executive coach Monique Valcour The Power of Dignity in the Workplace
Empowering employees
Empowerment is the process of becoming more confident in making decisions and completing tasks . Employee empowerment increases employee engagement in the workplace and can contribute to business effectiveness and success . Employees feel empowered when they are given more control over their responsibilities . This demonstrates trust and encourages feedback . It is motivating for staff to feel empowered , and this can increase performance .
To successfully empower employees under their management , senior team members need the skills and understanding required to plan , implement and monitor a style of management that supports employee empowerment . Micromanagement , for example , stifles employee empowerment , so an organisation may need to move from this style of management to one that actively empowers its employees . There are , however , ways we as individuals can empower ourselves .
Harnessing your inner hero
Personal development is a lifelong process encompassing the mental , emotional and physical aspects of our lives , including developing our personality , our attributes and how we communicate . Strengthening our knowledge , self-awareness and capabilities can all support our personal development . We are influenced by our upbringing , our education and our life experiences . These all contribute to who we are , but we also have the ability to develop beyond these factors . There may be aspects of ourselves we wish to enhance or improve . Identifying these , establishing development goals and working towards them can be a rewarding and empowering experience .
We can undertake this process informally by ourselves , or in a formal setting or working alongside a coach . Although the focus might be on personal development in the workplace , many of the goals will be relevant outside work too , including aspects such as time management , assertiveness , delegation , team building , learning new skills and even changing your career .
Starter tips for empowerment
Know your stuff . Understanding your role , rights and responsibilities can give you the confidence to act when something feels wrong .
Break it down . Carrying out a SWOT analysis ( of your strengths , weaknesses , opportunities and threats ) can provide clearer insight into yourself and the situation .
Establish your aim . Identifying the issue and having a clear resolution in mind will help you initiate and focus any action you decide to take .
“ No one can make you feel inferior without your consent .”
Eleanor Roosevelt
For advice or further information on this topic , contact advisoryservice @ bvna . co . uk .
Volume 38 ( 2 ) • April 2023
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