Definitions
I wanted to start with some definitions of leadership and advocacy.
Leadership
Leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization. We, as occupational therapy practitioners, whether an OTA or an OT, lead people all the time. We lead our patients, we lead our family members, we lead groups. We may offer a suggestion in a work situation or be a lead occupational therapy assistant at work. We do it all the time, without even realizing it. It may not be formal and that is okay. This presentation will talk about some formal opportunities for leadership as well as informal opportunities.
I liked this quote that "leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others." I think that is how we lead on an every day basis with our patients, our clients, and our families. We give them control and power back.
Advocacy
Advocacy is public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. I do this all the time and assume most of you do as well. We advocate for our patient and clients. We get them the therapy and equipment they need. We might also do this in our community. For example, we may say we want our children’s daycare to have a certain program or a certain kind of food. We advocate for our families. We advocate in many different ways. We are going to talk a little bit more about some formal advocacy in this presentation. There are definitely a number of options.
Qualities of an Effective Leader
Do you think that you have the qualities to be an effective leader? If not, how can you foster these qualities? These qualities are listed below.
Do What You Say
Do what you say you are going to do. Be trustworthy. If you tell a client that you are going to get him a 3-in-1 commode, get him one. Be the kind of person that gets things done. You also need to be a good communicator. Let people know the expectations that you have of them as well as what they can expect of you. Be respectful of clients and families, no matter what is going on. I have worked with some folks who have said, “Sure, that’s no problem, I can get you that.” without even checking with their insurance.
