Heroes; "Talk to More" Workshop
They say that in these uncertain, stressful times we're all looking for heroes. That may make us think of Superman and Wonder Woman and other superheroes, but also about firefighters and police officers--those that are, rightfully so, said to be heroes. I believe that we're ALL heroes in our own rights, and I often turn to everyday heroes, who probably don't think of themselves that way.
Pondering that all started this week when I was thinking about listening--REALLY listening, I mean. I was thinking about it mostly because I don't think I do it very well. I thought about my brother-in-law, who does it better than anyone I've ever met, and wished I could do it one tenth as well as he. Then I started thinking about all the other people who have influenced what I do and how I do it--or strive to do it. Not in big, flashy ways, but as just a little nudge or whisper in my mind in the stressful moments when I want to better handle a situation. When I've vented (well, whined) long enough about a tough or infuriating situation, I think of Mary Wegner saying to me, years ago, "All right, but what are you going to DO about it?" When someone needs just a sympathetic ear I think about Carole who patiently listens while I was mutter; when problems and stresses seem to be stacking up I think about Ann, who also has a positive spin on just about anything, Marcia and Sue are constant steady reminders to be always cheerful and helpful.
There are a hundred different heroes in my head, stepping forward to help when I need it. And when you work with the public all day every day, there are bound to be some stresses that come up in the midst of the real joys you can experience when working with the public. I hope you have as many heroes, and I hope SWILSA can function in that way for you, at least sometimes. --Karen
Friday, August 08, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Leadership; Banned Books Week; Book Kit: Blueberries for Sal
Leadership; Banned Books Week; Book Kit: Blueberries for Sal
This was yet another week in which I experienced a confluence of discussions and items on one topic; this time, leadership. What with the ILA Leadership Institute last week, an article that one of my trustees sent me, and discussions with friends and colleagues inside and outside the library profession it has been a week to ponder leadership, and what that really is. I'm not sure than anyone fully articulate what it is--at least to me. And, given the number of books and articles and institutes, it clearly isn't, well, clear-cut. It varies from person to person, situation to situation, time to time. The books, articles and institutes are terrific because they help us to work it our for ourselves, figure out how leadership fits us and our situations. It isn't a one size fits all. To me, leadership means looking to the future, availing ourselves of all that is available to us, acting responsibly and compassionately, showing a path to a better future--and how we think we can best get there. The path may--probably will-change on the way but the ultimate vision is the same If our vision is a worthy one, which others can agree is the way to go, then the second part of leadership is to help get there--not dragging everyone along, but well, leading. I don't think my trustee would mind if I quote his e-mail to me about an article in the August 4 issue of Newsweek, "Me thinks you must have chatted with Anna Quindlan, or she you, about the use of technology per her article in the above...on the last page of the magazine. She takes the position that leaders have to be conversant (and use) the latest technology and know what's coming ahead...look at Lincoln, she says, with the use of the telegraph--goes on to McCain and corporate executives. Good read for librarians, too...seems to me... putting themselves in the shoes of potus or a corp. exec." Indeed. As I've listened to friends in other professions for the past couple of weeks I've been reminded that, though our specific work may be different, the need for leadership is the same. And we can exercise leadership, no matter where we are on the totem pole--trustees, directors, support staff, volunteers. Keep your eyes and ears open, ponder, dream--what brilliant future can we imagine, and how can we take each other there? Wherever we are in an organization or group, how can we help to get us there? --Karen
Links from today's podcast:
SWILSA Display and Events webpage
ALA's Banned Books Week webpage
This was yet another week in which I experienced a confluence of discussions and items on one topic; this time, leadership. What with the ILA Leadership Institute last week, an article that one of my trustees sent me, and discussions with friends and colleagues inside and outside the library profession it has been a week to ponder leadership, and what that really is. I'm not sure than anyone fully articulate what it is--at least to me. And, given the number of books and articles and institutes, it clearly isn't, well, clear-cut. It varies from person to person, situation to situation, time to time. The books, articles and institutes are terrific because they help us to work it our for ourselves, figure out how leadership fits us and our situations. It isn't a one size fits all. To me, leadership means looking to the future, availing ourselves of all that is available to us, acting responsibly and compassionately, showing a path to a better future--and how we think we can best get there. The path may--probably will-change on the way but the ultimate vision is the same If our vision is a worthy one, which others can agree is the way to go, then the second part of leadership is to help get there--not dragging everyone along, but well, leading. I don't think my trustee would mind if I quote his e-mail to me about an article in the August 4 issue of Newsweek, "Me thinks you must have chatted with Anna Quindlan, or she you, about the use of technology per her article in the above...on the last page of the magazine. She takes the position that leaders have to be conversant (and use) the latest technology and know what's coming ahead...look at Lincoln, she says, with the use of the telegraph--goes on to McCain and corporate executives. Good read for librarians, too...seems to me... putting themselves in the shoes of potus or a corp. exec." Indeed. As I've listened to friends in other professions for the past couple of weeks I've been reminded that, though our specific work may be different, the need for leadership is the same. And we can exercise leadership, no matter where we are on the totem pole--trustees, directors, support staff, volunteers. Keep your eyes and ears open, ponder, dream--what brilliant future can we imagine, and how can we take each other there? Wherever we are in an organization or group, how can we help to get us there? --Karen
Links from today's podcast:
SWILSA Display and Events webpage
ALA's Banned Books Week webpage
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