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What is Relational Leadership?

Relational Leadership describes an individual’s skills and abilities in developing relationships with and leading others. Leaders who have strength in this area demonstrate an ability to relate to others in a way that brings out the best in employees and partners alike. They encourage the recognition of joint concerns and use their ability to build teams and collaborate with diverse groups to influence successful outcomes.

Relational Leadership aligns with three of BC Corrections’ identified leadership competencies:

Communication
Empowerment, and
Team & Partnerships

Relational Leadership reflects the ability to practice open, respectful, two-way communication that provides different audiences with clear, concise, and timely information. Leaders who have strength in this area support others through regular coaching and feedback, encourage and recognize others, support professional development and provide constructive feedback. They engage employees and partners in developing goals, executing plans, and delivering results. They value diverse opinions and perspectives and engage in shared decision making.

Why is Relational Leadership important?

Relational Leadership skills assist leaders to establish clear and effective communication that leads to trust. Building from this foundation, leaders who develop competencies in this area are able to create teams from a strength- based approach. They are able to invest in people and partnerships that improve engagement and retention while strengthening the organization and its capacity.

What topics are within the scope of Relational Leadership?

Each topic below includes information on courses and/or workshops that are recommended on the path of relational leadership as well as additional resources that can be explored.

Coaching Skills

Taking a coaching approach to leadership means using the transferable elements of coaching during workplace conversations.

Collaboration / Partnership

Collaboration in the workplace is when two or more people (often groups) work together through idea sharing to accomplish a common goal.

Communication

Communication consists of practicing open, respectful, two-way communication that provides different audiences with clear, concise, and timely information.

Delegating

Delegation is the act of assigning a responsibility, often in the form of a task, to an employee.

Empowerment

Empowerment consists of supporting others through regular coaching and feedback.

Honesty

Honesty has been identified as one of the most valued leadership qualities.

Investing in Others

Investing in others means taking the time to help people grow and improve.

Personal Learning

Personal learning consists of demonstrating a strong and active interest in learning and personal and professional growth.

Teamwork

The leader’s role in building teams consists of engaging employees and partners in developing goals, executing plans, and delivering results.

Sample Recommended Courses
Building Capacity in Indigenous Relations: We Are All Here to Stay (BCIR)
Empowerment, Honesty, Independent Learning, Relational Leadership
This two-hour interactive online course provides learners with an understanding of the provincial government’s commitments to reconciliation, explores Indigenous culture, our shared history, and what steps can be taken, collectively and individually, to pursue reconciliation. (From: BC Public Service Agency; Mode: Independent learning, online module; Next offered: ongoing)
Communication Styles in the Workplace
Communication, Independent Learning, Relational Leadership
It’s important to know your own communication style and that of others in order to communicate more effectively. By understanding the different styles and how to accommodate for each, you will build trust, have more productive meetings, and communicate more effectively. (From: JIBC; Mode: Independent learning, online module; Next offered: ongoing)
Coaching Skills
Coaching Skills, Communication, Empowerment, Honesty, Independent Learning, Investing In Others, Relational Leadership
This courses will help you to understand the problem of being a decision making boss and a coach --it will provide you with a strategy to effectively balance these two inherently conflicting roles (From: JIBC; Mode: Independent learning, online module; Next offered: ongoing)
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