News &; Views,May 2011 (mp3 file; 6.6 MB; 7:04 min.)Strengths; Change; "How Does Your Garden Grow" storytime kit
Earlier this week, at subcenter meetings (and those of you going to Clarinda, here’s a spoiler) we asked librarians to share with colleagues what they believed to be the greatest strength that they brought to the library table. Knowing all of you as I do it was interesting to hear what you think is your greatest strength; sometimes I had something to add, and sometimes colleagues had something to add. (We don’t see ourselves quite as others do, do we?) Some spoke first about weaknesses, then spoke of strengths--working with people, finding creative solutions to problems, patience, flexibility, organizational skills, getting things done. They pretty much sum of characteristics that librarians need to work effectively.
This was an exercise as a part of talking about collaboration, and what makes successful collaborations. As you think about collaborations and collaborative projects, it’s essential to think about what you are bringing to the table, what you can best contribute to its success. If you are building a collaborative team, look for colleagues whose strengths would balance areas in which you are not as strong and make sure everyone’s strengths are utilized and appreciated.
The collaborative projects that have been discussed so far in the meetings have great potential and I hope that the teams will follow up with them.
And remember, sometimes we focus too much on weaknesses; remind yourself of your strengths, and give yourself credit for everything you are doing to bring quality library services to your community!
Links from today's podcast:
Switch, by Chip and Dan Heath
