Read Chapters 9-11 in the Ford textbook
• Read Chapters 8-9 in the Kouzes & Posner textbook

Strategies Paper
Talk of empowering employees is wonderful, but talk is not enough. In the midst of many responsibilities, leaders need to make time to implement practices and strategies that empower and encourage followers in their daily routines, as well as in the midst of organizational difficulties.
• Write a 2-3 page paper discussing various strategies leaders have used to support and strengthen employees in specific business or ministry contexts. You will need to evaluate these strategies in light of concepts from the required reading, including biblical ideas and Christ-like examples. Ensure the following points are addressed.

o A discussion of at least 2 examples in which leaders have tried to support and strengthen employees in ways that lead to change.
o An analysis of these strategies in light of the required reading.
o Provide the reader with a narrative of guiding principles that explain the success and/or failure of the leaders being studied.
o Use of at least two scholarly sources to support your writing.
Ensure that you use the Paper Writing rubric to guide your efforts and support your work with scholarly academic resources using APA format

Introduction

Leadership is a critical aspect of any organization, and the success of an organization is dependent on the effectiveness of its leaders. One of the primary roles of leaders is to empower and support their employees, and this requires a deep understanding of what it means to be an effective leader. The use of various strategies can help leaders to support and strengthen their employees, leading to change and growth within the organization. In this paper, we will discuss various strategies leaders have used to support and strengthen employees in specific business or ministry contexts, and evaluate these strategies in light of concepts from the required reading, including biblical ideas and Christ-like examples.

Strategies to Support and Strengthen Employees

Employee Empowerment
One of the most effective strategies leaders have used to support and strengthen employees is through employee empowerment. This approach involves giving employees the authority and resources they need to make decisions and take ownership of their work. When employees feel empowered, they are more motivated, engaged, and productive, leading to increased job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.

One example of a leader who has used this strategy effectively is Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group. Ma has been known to empower his employees by giving them the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. He encourages his employees to think creatively and take risks, which has led to a culture of innovation and growth within the organization.

Employee Development
Another strategy leaders have used to support and strengthen employees is through employee development. This approach involves providing employees with the tools and resources they need to grow and develop professionally. By investing in the growth and development of their employees, leaders can create a positive work environment that fosters engagement and motivation.

One example of a leader who has used this strategy effectively is Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey has been known to invest in the growth and development of her employees, providing them with training and resources to help them achieve their professional goals. This has led to increased job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment among her employees, resulting in a positive and productive work environment.

Analysis of Strategies in Light of Required Reading

The strategies discussed above align with concepts from the required reading, including biblical ideas and Christ-like examples. The concept of employee empowerment is consistent with the idea of servant leadership, as it involves empowering others to reach their full potential and serving their needs. Employee development, on the other hand, aligns with the idea of mentorship, as it involves providing guidance and support to others as they grow and develop.

Narrative of Guiding Principles

The success of leaders in supporting and strengthening employees is dependent on several guiding principles. These include a deep understanding of the needs and motivations of employees, a commitment to investing in their growth and development, and a willingness to empower them to take ownership of their work. Additionally, leaders must have a clear vision for the organization and a passion for serving others, which will inspire and motivate employees to achieve their goals.

The use of various strategies can help leaders to support and strengthen their employees, leading to change and growth within the organization. By empowering employees and investing in their growth and development, leaders can create a positive and productive work environment that fosters engagement and motivation. The success of these strategies is dependent on several guiding principles, including a deep understanding of the needs and motivations of employees, a commitment to their growth and development, and a willingness to empower them to take ownership of their work.
References

Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The leadership challenge. John Wiley & Sons.

Ford, J. (2018). Spiritual leadership in the workplace. InterVarsity