Course Description
Guided by research literature, discussion and critical reflection, learners will explore leadership styles and approaches, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness, reflective leadership practice, and application of leadership practices in clinical rehabilitation.
Intended Learners
This course is designed for occupational therapists, physical therapists or practitioners in other health disciplines who want to acquire further knowledge and skills in leadership.
Healthcare leaders face many competing demands and rapid and frequent organizational change. Frequently, leadership roles are filled by clinicians, who may be experienced and competent in providing patient care, but who have not had formal training in leadership. This course aims to translate leadership knowledge to practice, grounded in current research and best practices, within an interprofessional rehabilitation learning environment.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Discuss and critically review literature about the common leadership styles and approaches.
- Apply leadership styles and approaches to practical workplace situations.
- Analyze the key components of emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrate the role of Emotional Intelligence in effective leadership.
- Reflect upon and create a personal model of leadership in rehabilitation.
Course Overview
This course emphasizes the development of leadership knowledge and awareness that learners will require in developing their own leadership style and application in their clinic practice settings. Some of the questions explored in the course include:
- What are different leadership characteristics, approaches and styles?
- What are the benefits and limitations of differing approaches?
- How can different styles be applied to rehabilitation practice situations?
- What is the role of emotional intelligence in leadership? What are the criticisms and controversies?
- What is transformational leadership and how is it applied in practice?
- How does leadership research inform leadership in practice?
- What is your own leadership style? What are your leadership goals and needs?
Assignments
Three course assignments enable learners to explore literature on common leadership styles as applied in rehabilitation practice, apply the concepts, research evidence and practices of transformational leadership and emotional intelligence in their workplace situations, and to develop their own personal model of leadership. Learning will be facilitated through online discussions and through keeping a reflective journal.
Course Readings
References for the required readings will be provided to learners in the course site in Canvas. They can be accessed electronically through the UBC library starting on the first day of the course. There is no required textbook for this course.