Author: Melissa M. Sweetman, OTD, OTR/L
Co-Program Director, Administration and Practice Management Elective Track Director
Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah
President of the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract
Management and leadership are topics that many clinicians believe to be the same; however, distinct differences exist between them. Just as there are many different approaches to management, there are also many different approaches to leadership. Authentic leadership is an approach that is particularly applicable to the profession of occupational therapy. Authentic leadership skills can be developed over time by focusing primarily on building self-awareness, so that the leader can behave in ways that are genuine and honest. Occupational therapy practitioners who use authentic leadership skills can lead employees, colleagues, and even clients to excellent outcomes. Authentic leadership and authentic occupational therapy practice are the perfect partners for today’s ever-challenging health care environment.
Learning Objectives
1. Distinguish the differences between leaders and managers
2. Identify the characteristics of authentic leadership
3. Identify strategies to develop authentic leadership skills for use with a variety of followers
4. Recognize the components of authentic occupational therapy
Learning Level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Content Focus: Category 3: Professional Issues—Contemporary Issues and Trends
Reference Information: Sweetman, Melissa M.
(2016) Authentic Leadership in Occupational Therapy, OT Practice, 21(13). CE-1–CE-8
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