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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
After reading this article, you should be able to:
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
INTRODUCTION
In her 2016 Inaugural Presidential Address, Amy J. Lamb, OTD, OT/L, FAOTA, discussed the power of authenticity. She reminded listeners that there is power in the way occupational therapy practitioners facilitate engagement in everyday living for our clients by using an authentic occupational therapy approach. Lamb (2016) ended her address with a challenge to all occupational therapy practitioners to "See the opportunity; be authentic; lead the change" (43:32). Authenticity is indeed a powerful concept that expands beyond the daily practice of occupational therapy. Authentic leadership is an evidence-based approach that can enable us to effectively serve as leaders to our clients, colleagues, employees, organizations, and communities.
MANAGEMENT VERSUS LEADERSHIP
Before delving into a specific leadership approach, it is important to first examine the distinction between management and leadership. These two terms are often used synonymously, but most leadership experts agree that the concepts are quite different. Perhaps the most well-known description of management versus leadership is attributed to Bennis and Nanus (1985): "Managers are people who do things right and leaders are people who do the right thing" (p. 221). This is not to say that leaders cannot do things right and managers cannot do the right thing. The distinction lies with the purpose and aim.
Leaders focus on the...