The Leadership Equation : Strategies for Individuals Who Are Champions for Children, Youth, & Families

When mental health professionals are promoted into leadership roles, they're often expected to "hit the ground running" with little training or experience. This eye-opening book is the perfect way for new leaders to fill that gap in professional development--and help their organization meet the needs of children and families.

Bringing to book form the principles and practices behind the renowned Georgetown University Leadership Development Program, this essential resource dispels the myths about good leadership and sheds light on the values and actions that steer an individual and an organization toward success. Mental health administrators and program developers will

• learn about five effective leadership styles--and how to choose the right one for different contexts and situations
• master the shift between multiple leadership functions within their organization or system
• develop specific skills and attitudes associated with good leadership, such as being flexible, welcoming diverse perspectives, and knowing when to relinquish some control
• build productive, collaborative relationships with a wide array of providers, consultants, case managers, and community agencies
• overcome personal, organizational, and environmental obstacles to effective leadership
• strengthen resilience by using proven strategies for managing stress and adversity
• ensure that their personal values align with a strengths-based, family-centered, and culturally competent system of care

Throughout the book, the expert contributors distill the best of today's theory and research on leadership and bring key points to life with real-world examples and anecdotes. And practical worksheets help readers address conflict, improve their resiliency, clarify their views of leadership, collaborate effectively during team meetings, and more.

No matter where readers are on their leadership journey--whether they're new to their roles or veterans seeking to renew their passion and commitment--this book will help them master the skills they need to guide and motivate staff, bring about positive systems change, and ensure the best outcomes for children and families.

Learn more about the Systems of Care for Children's Mental Health series.

Dr. Blau is a clinical psychologist and chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services. In this role, he provides national leadership for children's mental health and for creating systems of care across the country. Prior to this, Dr. Blau was Bureau Chief of Quality Management and Director of Mental Health at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and Director of Clinical Services at the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut. He also holds a clinical faculty appointment at the Yale Child Study Center.

Dr. Blau was formerly a member of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Director's Division of Children, Youth and Families, and from July 1, 1998, through June 30, 2000, he was the division's Chairperson. Dr. Blau has received several awards, including the prestigious Pro Humanitate Literary Award for "literary works that best exemplify the intellectual integrity and moral courage required to transcend political and social barriers to promote best practice in the field of child welfare," the Connecticut Governor's Service Award, the Phoebe Bennet Award for outstanding contribution to children's mental health in Connecticut, and the Making a Difference Award presented by Connecticut's Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. Most recently, he was the recipient of the 2009 Health and Human Services Secretary's Award for Meritorious Service for his national leadership in children's mental health.

Dr. Blau has numerous journal publications and has been the editor of several books, including the recently published Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues: Evidence-Based Approaches to Prevention and Treatment (Routledge/Taylor and Francis, 2008), Family Influences on Childhood Behavior and Development (Routledge/Taylor and Francis, 2008), and The System of Care Handbook: Transforming Mental Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families (Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 2008). He received his Ph.D. from Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) in 1988.

Dr. Magrab has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for vulnerable children and their families. For the past 40 years, she has provided service, conducted research, and trained future professionals in the care of children with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental health needs and their families. She has been Director of the Center for Child and Human Development, a major research, training, and public policy program since 1975 and also has been Chief of Pediatric Psychology since 1969. Dr. Magrab has written/ edited 12 major books as well as numerous research articles and chapters that reflect her personal and professional commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable children.

Over the past 3 decades Dr. Magrab has been actively involved in developing public policy to ensure society's commitment to children and youth with special needs and mental health challenges. She was one of the pioneers in the field of maternal and child health and children's mental health to establish community-based, family-centered systems of care for children and youth with disabilities, chronic medical conditions, and mental health needs. For this work, she has received numerous awards, including the U.S. Surgeon General's Award and, most recently, the U.S. Secretary of Health Award for Pioneer in Developmental Disabilities. At Georgetown University, there is an Endowed Chair, the Phyllis R. Magrab Chair, dedicated to the continuation of this work. Currently, Dr. Magrab is deeply engaged in global issues related to social justice, health, and education, guiding and developing policy and practice. In particular, she is working closely with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on its Education for All (EFA) agenda with an emphasis on disability and literacy issues. In 2006, Dr. Magrab was named to a UNESCO Chair to honor this work and to establish her continuing role in implementing EFA, and this year she began her term on the United States National UNESCO Commission.

Ms. Ciano is Executive Director of the Parent Support Network of Rhode Island, a statewide family organization that advocates for the needs of families who have children, youth, and/or young adults at risk for, or experiencing, mental health and related challenges. As a family leader, Ms. Ciano has been an active partner in changing state policy as it relates to children's mental health, provides ongoing training in developing family driven practices, and continues to develop and empower a strong cadre of family leaders to be actively engaged in reducing stigma associated with mental health issues. She is also a member of the Georgetown University Leadership Academy faculty. Cathy is a strong advocate for the Public Health Approach to Children's Mental Health, which emphasizes promotion and prevention. Ms. Ciano has over 20 years of experience raising five children, two with very significant mental health needs.

Ms. CrossBear is an Ojibwe/Irish mother and grandmother, storyteller, and leader in traditional healing methodologies. She has demonstrated her lifelong commitment through 30 years of leadership in human services fields.

Dr. Davis has held the Robert Lee Sutherland Chair in Mental Health and Social Policy since 2000. He served as director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health from 2003 to 2008 and was Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services during the Governor Wilder administration, 1990-1995.

Dr. Gregory is a clinical psychologist whose expertise as a clinician, administrator, trainer, and consultant has included work in substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, juvenile justice, child welfare, school-based mental health, and behavioral health. Dr. Gregory's primary orientation is family systems. He is on the faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and through his own organization, Rafiki Consortium, LLC, he consults and trains for public and private human services organizations.

Dr. Jackson is member of the faculty for the National Center for Cultural Competence at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, where she provides technical assistance and consultation for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Children's Mental Health Initiative. Throughout her 30-plus years as a clinical social worker, Dr. Jackson introduced Stress Management programming as an integral part of client and family services in various health and mental health settings.

Ms. Kagen is Director of the Georgetown Leadership Initiatives and one of the developers of the Leadership Academy Training Curriculum, a national leadership training and development program for professionals and families focusing on the leadership role within collaborative systems change and community transformation. Ms. Kagen is an experienced facilitator, trainer, and consultant and has more than 25 years experience working at the national, state, and local levels of government and nonprofits on leadership development, strategic planning, managing change processes, and community development.

Ms. Mallery is currently Research Assistant for the American Institute of Research and is working at the Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch in the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She is a doctoral candidate and adjunct faculty member in Counseling at the George Washington University. Ms. Mallery's primary research and clinical interests are contextual influences on adolescent mental health.

Ms. Penn began to navigate the children's mental health system through efforts to care for her own son and subsequently became an advocate for other families. She was the founding executive director of the Family Support Organization of Burlington County, and currently serves as a consultant on building family leadership within child-serving systems to communities and universities throughout the country.

Dr. Raper is Senior Assistant to the President for Initiatives at Georgetown University, where she incubates strategic initiatives that require the development of collaborations within and outside the university community. Her priority areas of focus include health systems development and conflict resolution.

Mr. Rotto is Chief Executive Officer of Choices, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has developed cost-effective, comprehensive systems of care in Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland. Mr. Rotto is a nationally recognized expert in creating high-fidelity wraparound programs, managing provider networks of strength-based, community-based services, and developing braided and flexible funding streams.

Dr. Sockalingam assists agencies by addressing systems transformation focusing on leadership, cultural competence, health disparities, and cross-cultural communication. She conducts focused dialogues, consensus development, strategic planning, and implementation workshops for public health, including behavioral health, social services, and education organizations.

Ms. Spencer has navigated a highly visible career path through local family organizing, state level systems of care development, advocacy, national meeting planning for both the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health and the Technical Assistance Partnership, and providing training and technical assistance to family-run organizations. Ms. Spencer has become a much sought after public speaker on the subject of children's mental health from a national as well as a parent's perspective. Her combination of passion and experience validates her message.

Dr. Travis is an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Dr. Travis specializes in employee voice, leadership, and organizational behavior in nonprofit, public, and corporate settings. Her research and project management experience has specifically focused on employee engagement and retention, organizational change and effectiveness, and global workplace diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Waetzig specializes in organizational behavior with an emphasis on leadership. She has been managing conflict as a lawyer, mediator, facilitator, and trainer for more than 15 years. She focuses her efforts in the areas of health care, mental health, child welfare, education, and other human services.

Ms. Walker is a social worker and the mother of five children. She was a founding member of the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, and since 1999 has been Executive Director of the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health.

Mr. Wotring is Assistant Professor and Director of the National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health at Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development. In this role, he consults with states and communities on a variety of topics and supports a faculty and staff who provide training and technical assistance throughout the country. Prior to this, he served as Director of Programs for Children with a Serious Emotional Disturbance with the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Dr. Zachik is Director, Office of Child and Adolescent Services, Mental Hygiene Administration, Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's Workgroup on Community Systems of Care. He is a member of the clinical faculty in psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Zachik has a special interest in developing a statewide system of care in Maryland for children and adolescents with mental health needs. This system integrates mental health services into all existing programs that serve children and youth, including schools, early childhood programs, juvenile justice services, and social services.