News & Views,January 20010 (mp3 file; 5.4 MB; 5:44 min.)A New Year; "Civility Solution;" Sleepy Bears apron kit
It's a new year--a new decade, actually, and that is when people traditionally make New Year's resolutions. I've never been very good at those, I admit. A customer at the quilt shop said that resolutions should be one word, and the vote of everyone there seemed to be "finish," for all us quilters who have a huge stack of UFOs--UnFinished Objects. I'm not sure what a librarian's one-word resolution might be...knowing all of you I'd be inclined to say "Service" but you all do that, anyway, so it's not much a resolution, except as an affirmation.
Because I'm not much for New Year's resolutions, here's a different thought for this new year: let's look back at 2009 and think about those things of which we're proud, or maybe the one thing of which we're most proud. Is the library even friendlier? Have you offered more programs, introduced a popular new service? Tell each other stories about what worked really well, or really touched your patrons, or made a difference.
Congratulate yourself and the staff and the board--well done! Then think about HOW you accomplished that great and good thing. What did it take in time, or staff learning, or advocacy, or planning, or creative thinking? Give each other kudos for those things, too.
(I think we spend too much time fretting over what we DON'T accomplish, when we should be energizing ourselves with reminders of our accomplishments, so we can move forward positively.)
Now, there's probably at least one thing on your mind that you'd like to do in the coming year. You've already identified some things you're good at, because you used them to accomplish good things last year. How can you apply those things to your next project or idea? They're proven winners--put them to work for you again.
And that's appreciative inquiry--reflect on what you've done well, how you've done that well, and build on it. You've all got the right stuff--I've seen it. So, have a great year!
