Leading the Way
LAS VEGAS--As this profession seeks to enhance its recognition in the health care field, it is important for PTs and PTAs nationwide to step to the forefront and spread the word about why physical therapy matters and is effective. So "Revving Your Leadership Engine" represented one of the more intriguing educational sessions offered here in Sin City on Tuesday.
Presented by Janet Beznar, PT, PhD, Z. Annette Iglarsh, PT, PhD, and Jennifer Wilson, PT, MBA, the session drew a full crowd of PT professionals, including many who already held some type of leadership position at their respective clinics or facilities. To open the presentation, Wilson stated, "We'd really like to talk to you about the differences between management and leadership."
One of the main distinctions is that managers tend to focus their efforts inward, while leaders often focus outward, she noted. Leaders need to retain core values while constantly questioning the methods by which those values are achieved, added Dr. Beznar.
"It's not always easy to question fundamental things about our organizations, but it is necessary," she explained.
Furthermore, leadership is an ongoing and evolving process, related Dr. Iglarsh.
"Leadership has to take place every day," she said. "You are constantly growing as a leader.'
Full coverage of this educational session so pertinent to the future of the profession will be provided in a future issue of ADVANCE!