Fall From Grace

One of the worst things to happen within an organization is to have one of it's leaders "fall from grace." To have a leader lose the respect, and moreover, the trust of his or her employees and clients. This process of potential mistrust is emotionally, psychologically, and potentially physically damaging to an organization. 

Most recently the president and executive board of the AOTA were under fire and their motives were questioned regarding the recent mandated move towards the doctoral single point of entry. The entire global community of occupational therapists felt that their leader, of their paid professional association, was somehow in cahoots with those seeking to change the point of entry. Overwhelmingly there was dissent among the ranks of OT's regarding this change. The ebb and flow of constituents being for or against this proposition oscillated wildly. When the organization came out with their official stance many members felt that their needs were not heard. That they had not been adequately consulted and there were feelings of mistrust and hurt abounding. 

Dr. Amy Lamb, the president of the AOTA, along with her executive board quickly formed townhalls, online meetings, and statements which tried to control the damage, both real and perceived (AOTA, 2018). One of the first steps that might have prevented this discourse was clear, consistent, and transparent communication between the board, Dr. Lamb, and the OT stakeholders. Another strategy would have been to survey the constituents through multiple channels to ensure that many opportunities were available to gather stakeholder opinions. Both of these strategies would have been infinitely more easing and informative than the periodical "updates." 

In learning about this week's post I have learned that leaders, rightfully or wrongly, carry a lot of the burden when programs or associations are being assessed. The leaders wield a tremendous amount of power and responsibility. 

References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2018). A Message From AOTA’s Board of      Directors on the OTD and OTA Mandates Retrieved from      http://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/Get-Involved/BOD/News/2018/Message-From-AOTA-Board-   Directors-OTD-OTA-Mandates.aspx