IC29: Developing effective and influential leaders in rehabilitation medicine and research: ACRM’s History, Vision and Goals (Leadership Development Course (1317461)

The field of rehabilitation is at a critical point, requiring strong leadership to substantiate and promote its role in facilitating recovery and health in people with disability. Meaningful leadership requires people who can influence others toward a common mission and goal. The best leaders are those who know and effectively leverage their leadership style to promote change and innovation, who utilize best practices for leadership, and who are inclusive of all people, from all related backgrounds, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity.

This inaugural course is designed to help rehabilitation and research professionals begin to develop leadership skills necessary to advance and build the leadership capacity in rehabilitation medicine and research. The focus of this first course is to help individuals develop the confidence and assertiveness necessary to achieve greater personal success, significantly contribute to the goals of ACRM and ultimately to the field of rehabilitation medicine and research.

Keynote presenter Gerben DeJong, PhD, FACRM, will kick-off the course with a presentation titled The Essential Leadership Trait that No One Talks About. Ask people what they think is the one leadership trait most essential for effective leadership. You will get as many answers as people you ask. But there is one quality or trait that is rarely, if ever, on anyone’s list and yet Dr. DeJong believes it is foundational. His presentation will outline why leaders with this trait are especially effective and how people missing this trait are the kind of people for whom you do not want to work. He will contrast leaders with and without this foundational trait and illustrate why those without this essential trait are—or can be, immensely destructive, often unethical, and should be avoided at all costs. This trait underpins all that we do in rehabilitation practice and research. Wishing he had learned this earlier in his career, Dr. DeJong wants to pass along insights on how this essential trait can enhance your career, your leadership style, and your sense of professional fulfillment. Curious? Participants will be led to examine their own strength as a leader and define their leadership style for authentic leadership. Topics include leadership strength inventory, leadership style inventory, and leading with character and compassion.

The afternoon workshop, led by Francie Schulwolf from Sally Williamson & Associates, will focus on developing strong, confident communicators and leaders in rehabilitation medicine. It starts with your personal brand and evaluating how people experience you in a business setting. Francie will introduce participants to the foundational skills of personal presence and the choices executives make that can influence impressions. Through group exercises, Francie will cover the three C’s of style: Confidence, Commitment & Connection and help participants explore new choices that strengthen visibility and impact in any business setting.

Get inspired to define your brand and develop executive presence. With honest and warm style, this session will be a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn and grow.