Module 2 – Developing Interpersonal Skills

Leadership in occupational therapy is fundamentally relational. Whether guiding a team, mentoring students, collaborating across disciplines, or influencing systems change, effective leadership is rooted in how we communicate, connect, and mobilize others toward shared goals. This module explores the interpersonal and practical skills that strengthen leadership capacity within occupational therapy practice, education, and professional service.

You will examine core relational competencies, including communication, emotional intelligence, active listening, and conflict management, and how they shape trust, psychological safety, and team effectiveness. We will also explore collaboration, influence without authority, and the nuanced skill of giving and receiving feedback in ways that promote growth rather than defensiveness.

In addition, this module addresses the applied dimensions of leadership: facilitating meaningful discussions, leading others with clarity and purpose, and using delegation and empowerment strategies to build capacity within teams.

Together, these topics reflect a view of leadership not as position-based authority, but as a set of intentional behaviors that foster accountability, inclusion, and collective impact, aligned with the values and responsibilities of occupational therapy practitioners.

Learning Objectives:

• APPLY emotional intelligence to navigate conflict and build psychological safety.
• INFLUENCE others without formal authority through active listening and constructive feedback.
• FACILITATE effective meetings and delegate strategically to empower teams.