In the social work field, we must influence our clients to accomplish a mutually shared goal. We encourage our client’s to focus on resources to achieve the desired goal.
Social workers act as servant leaders by serving and aiding those who are in crisis. Social workers possess all ten characteristics of servant leaders. Therefore, social workers are inspirational and passionate leaders. We show innovation, ask what and why, and challenge the status quo.
Social workers use rewarding power, “potential to influence others through reward power is a joint function of the leader, the followers, and the situation” (Hughes 2011). We also hold expectations of our client’s.
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Social workers hold interpersonal skills in order to communicate and interact with clients. Having the “basic” skills of a leader is needed as a social worker.
Credibility is important to have for a social worker to gain the trust of their clients. However, Trust is comprised when not clarifying and communicating effectively with the client's needs and wishes. Therefore, a social worker must have effective communication with their clients. One aspect of the social worker that I excel on is the ability to use active listening.
I lack assertiveness; however, it is needed to advocate for clients within the social worker field. I use “we” statements with my clients, I have difficulty sticking up for myself or others, and saying no when needed. Additionally, the “basic” areas I lack in leadership or social work is problem-solving and control stress. Within my current career field, I have difficulties managing conflict with my clients. This is an often accordance due to differences in values, beliefs, high-stress levels, and uncertain and incompatible