Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2019_Joomag | Page 21

LEADERSHIP FEATURE
and qualities required of a future leader,’ says Bev. ‘Yet, in admitting
herself to being an introvert, my mentor encouraged me
to explore different approaches, the notion of “quieter”
leadership, and urged me to consider my unique skill
set, which could bring an alternative style.’
She concludes: ‘My mentor also helped to expand my
professional network, by arranging meetings with a senior
occupational therapist and clinical academic in her trust, who
helped me consider alternative pathways to leadership within our
profession.’
Final event
Months of mentoring, reflection and online discussion
sessions culminated in a final conference at the
headquarters of the Council of Deans of Health.
As Rob Molloy, formerly MSc occupational
therapy student at Brunel University, and now
qualified, reports, a number of passionate
speakers provoked thought on a
range of topics.
Gafni Lachter and Ruland (2018) conducted a study
to evaluate the outcomes of a peer mentoring
programme, using a pre-post design to describe
changes in second-year MSc in occupational therapy
students who mentored first year students. Mentors
(n=47) completed pre- and post-participation surveys,
to assess their leadership and communications skills.
In addition, feedback surveys were administered at
midterm and programme end to assess participants’
overall perceptions of the programme. Quantitative
data analysis indicated significant enhancement
in several leadership skills; whilst qualitative data
analysis revealed three main themes: ‘opportunity
to help’, ‘creating relationships’ and ‘structure is
needed’. The authors suggest that carefully designed
and rigorous mentoring programmes can provide
opportunities for students to develop leadership and
communication skills, and help to build networks of
supportive relationships.
available through the leadership programme and unpacked how to
identify different skills and how these could be applied in practice,’
says Sarah.
‘Many of the leadership skills identified during the programme
are those considered essential to effective occupational therapy
practice, such as emotional intelligence, authenticity, transparency
and being client-centred.
‘My mentor and I considered “Leadership and change: Build these
three muscles” (Vora 2016) and how I could apply this into practice.
This was very helpful in building trust and motivation with clients
during my diverse placement with homeless people.
‘I was able to recognise and use my own strengths in developing
working relationships, leading interventions, using active listening
and encouraging others in their strengths and abilities.’
Bev Goodman, who has recently completed her pre-registration
MSc at the University of Essex, also found mentorship useful.
‘We were a diverse group and while meeting many inspirational
fellow students, I was concerned that I didn’t have the confidence
Reference
Gafni Lachter LR, Ruland JP (2018) Enhancing
leadership and relationships by implementing a peer
mentoring program. Australian Occupational Therapy
Journal, 65(4), 276–284.
‘We learned how to be a politically astute leader by developing
self-awareness and interpersonal skills in reading people
and situations, building alliances and alignments and acting
strategically,’ says Rob.
‘We were given practical tools and tips for leadership, with
insightful examples and stories to inspire us. We were also invited to
consider and map our operational, personal and strategic networks
for building relationships and collaborations.
‘Finally, the highlight for us as occupational therapy students
was when Suzanne Rastrick, occupational therapist and chief allied
health professions officer for NHS England, gave a short address to
close the day. Suzanne inspired us to consider ourselves as leaders
already and to chase our dreams.’
Benefits to our profession
While the programme had clear benefits for individuals taking part,
Kate Tilley, who has recently completed her pre-registration
MSc at the University of Derby, believes it can
benefit the wider occupational therapy profession
by equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge
and enthusiasm to become future leaders.
‘Considering the current economic climate
and strains on the NHS, nurturing individuals
to lead the profession through pressure
and change is vital,’ Kate says.
‘We are a relatively small
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