Public service leaders have certain characteristics that impact their roles.   These characteristics influence external relations too.  And thus public service leaders must enact these characteristics when engaged in these external relations.

Discuss the roles of three characteristics of public service leaders and why they are important

Public service leaders ought to remain focused on viable strategies and build a relevant vision for the entity involved since the public has unique needs that should be addressed. This aspect necessitates the embodiment of varied characteristics that these leaders should have to help actualize success. These characteristics include (1) good communication, (2) ability to teach employees their roles and (3) trustworthiness.

Good communication: This trait makes it possible for the leaders to communicate visions and interact with external stakeholders and other entities productively. Being able to communicate with different personnel in the public domain makes it easier for mobilization prospects. Good communication also lays a favorable platform for the enactment of positive public relations since the intended information reaches the desired target.

Ability to teach employees regarding their roles: This helps employees in understanding their job description hence recognizing its importance. Learning of the importance of the job brings the motivation on the side of the employees to serve the public in the best way possible. Many are the times when the employees fail since they are not aware of the consequences that might accrue as a result of their underperformance. It is also easy to hold employees accountable when they are certain of their roles.

Trustworthiness: Transparency and integrity are vital in the public sector since they work to ensure everything is going well since everything is open for everyone to see. Trustworthiness is something that is earned in the course of executing operations. A trustworthy individual usually has the best interest of the public and that is why this trait comes out as being important.  When the public trusts its leaders, there will be minimal suspicion of the activities taking place.

How do these characteristics influence the external relations challenges facing public service leaders?

External relations, in this case, can be with the media, lobbyists, outside interest groups and other relevant government groups. Demonstrating trustworthiness is an important trait in influencing external relations. A trustworthy leader has elements of integrity and transparency in execution of their duties. As a result, it becomes possible for stakeholders such as the media to associate themselves with someone that has integrity. Another favorable example is how the general public will be in support of a leader that demonstrates transparency since they can trace the leader’s activities.

The characteristic of good communication on its part ensures that the service leader makes the desired presentation to the target audience. Leaders might have good intentions with regards to the public’s well-being, but how they communicate with the public determines the perception that the public will uphold. While communicating, it is prudent to understand the audience and ascertain the type of language that they would relate to. Effective communication would go a long way into cooling the emotions of the public when things are not going as planned. Good communication also helps to build confidence with the relevant legislative body since most of the things are put out in a clear manner.

The ability to teach employees their roles, on the other hand, ensures that they execute their duties within the required competence. As a result, there will be an improvement on the quality of service that is being provided to the public. When an agency is providing the public with quality service, the public will remain in support of this agency due to the satisfaction being derived. There will also be minimal conflict with the relevant legislative body since the set-out protocols are being adhered to.

How can public service leaders enact these characteristics when engaged in external relations?

Public service leaders can take the initiative of enacting these characteristics when they are engaged in external relations. A good example to demonstrate this is when an agency has the plans to develop a park for the community, but there some stakeholders opposed to this suggesting that a housing project would be more suitable. Other government groups are also arguing that the funds available are not sufficient. A service leader with good communication skills will be able to communicate with the relevant stakeholders and make them see the need for the project. The trustworthiness that comes with the leader will enable his/her sentiments to be listened to since they are working in the best interest of the public.

Another example is when public service leaders are trying to comply with the given legislature. Most of the times there are conflicts that come about due to lack of complying with the relevant laws and regulations. Enacting the ability to ensure that employees are aware of their roles is a characteristic that will ensure the service leaders avoid this challenge. Most of the times breach of regulations are perpetrated by employees that are not adhering to the requirements of their job specifications since they lack the appropriate understanding. When employees are aware of what is expected of them, they will work within the set regulations hence ensuring that public service leaders are not conflicting with the relevant legislative body.

 
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