| Abstract: | These are the best and worst of times in health care. Technological advances are offset by critical staff and cash shortages. Strong leadership is needed to navigate these challenges, yet the industry faces a widening leadership void. The effective psychologist possesses 5 specific competencies ("planks") that are well matched for success as a health care executive: clinical, relational, analytical, methodological, and ethical. By applying these competencies, rehabilitation psychologists can enhance their organizations and open new pathways for personal and professional growth. A 6th competency, financial, represents a unique "give and take" position that is portrayed through a replication and extension of J. G. Wiggins's (1994) analysis of careers in psychology. It is concluded that advocacy for our clients, our field, and ourselves is served by rehabilitation psychologists' achieving health care executive positions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
