This semester, I am taking a class about leadership in the field of occupational therapy. One of our assignments for this class was to create a web page that we can update throughout the semester. Lucky for me, I already have this one established! My previous post, about my strengths, was just a small piece of this course. We have learned a lot about ourselves so far this semester, and I am looking forward to sharing some things about myself and my leadership skills in this post.
Who am I as a leader? I have always been praised in the past for leading by example. I was a pretty quiet person and I took pride in doing the right thing, even if others weren't. In high school, this leadership style won me the captain's award and a $1,000 scholarship for swim team my senior year. Once I got to college at Ohio State, the lead by example style got lost in a crowd of 50,000 people. If I wanted people to notice me at all, I had to step up and make myself known. I joined a sorority, and held two positions over my three years as a member. This was barely notable at the huge university, but the experience did a lot for me. It was there that I finally learned more outward leadership skills. I was able to get experience standing in front of a group of people, organizing events, and carrying through with real responsibilities.
My leadership roles as an OT student. Although Shawnee is a much smaller environment than Ohio State, I have been able to step into several leadership roles. I am currently the treasurer of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA). I have helped to organize fund-raising efforts and design t-shirts for the group. I have also taken on a major leadership role in the organization of my group research project. I truly believe that my sorority positions helped me achieve the confidence and initiative necessary to take on these roles.
My leadership roles outside my professional live. Since I moved to Portsmouth, I have found little opportunity to get involved outside of school/the occupational therapy profession. While I do not currently hold any official leadership positions, I do feel as though I lead by example with my friends and classmates. I give advice when I can, I make sure to make schoolwork a priority, and I do my best to keep people around me relaxed and stress-free. I hope that I can serve as a role model or mentor for a friend or classmate in some way or another.
Leadership Resources. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) - www.aota.org. This is the profession's national organization. It keeps me updated on major events in the community and current research in the profession. The Ohio Occupational Therapy Association (OOTA) - www.oota.org. A more local professional network. Local chapter events and state conferences are posted on this website. The Strengths Finder 2.0 - A book written by Tom Rath, paired with a website (www.strengthsfinder.com). The system looks for an individuals strengths, and teaches him or her appropriate ways to use them in their professional development (See previous post for my list of strengths). The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey - The book has taught me a lot about taking charge of my life and getting exactly what I need to be happy. A great resource! The Ohio State University Alumni Magazine - Keeps me updated on what is going on with the university and how students and alumni alike are making a difference for themselves and their communities. Extremely inspiring!
Leadership Roles in the Future. As you can see from my Strengths Finder results, I am very "futuristic." I spend a lot of time thinking about what my future will hold. The wheels are always turning. My previous posts about "Where OT is calling me" prove this. How many times have I changed my mind? I wish I could do it all! In my minds eye, I will do it all. Maybe I won't work at a place like Passion Works (see previous post on 9-7-10), but I might volunteer over the summer if I work in the school setting. I could also spend my summers running a small hippatherapy business at my home. Or, if I end up working at an inpatient rehab facility, or an adult MRDD day program, I might be able to implement a passion-works-esque program for the clients or residents. I am not sure where I will end up, but I do know that I want to start something new. I want to be innovative and creative, and I want to make my career - or at least part of it - my own.
Another think I know for certain is that I will continue to lead by example in the professional world. I am going to end this post with my Professional Mission Statement. This will reflect how I plan to live my professional life, once my career is established.
"I, Brittany Wolf, as a Registered Occupational Therapist in the State of Ohio, will strive to provide the best treatment possible for all of my clients. Each treatment plan will be client-centered, evidence based, and well prepared. I will remain ethical in all decision-making, follow AOTA's professional rules and standards, and treat my coworkers with respect at all times. I believe strongly in the importance of passion in the workplace, and I will hold myself to that standard when considering job options."
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