Or: Me? A Leader?
Leadership is a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in accomplishing a common task.
There are several competencies and responsibilities of skilled library leaders, including:
- Communicating effectively, including excellent listening skills
- Acting ethically
- Managing time efficiently
- Demonstrating empathy
- Having a vision for the future — Creating a culture that encourages staff members to achieve their greatest potential
- Developing staff — Seeing value in and respecting the ideas of others
- Managing human resources — Dealing consistently and fairly with the library’s staff members
- Planning and budgeting — Preparing a budget to implement the library’s goals and objectives
- Managing operations — Planning, conducting, and participating in meetings so the library’s resources are used efficiently, effectively, and responsibly
- Developing political and negotiation skills — Relating the library’s needs and goals to funding officials and agencies
- Engaging with the community — Understanding the flow, use, and value of information and relating this to the role of your library in the community
- Honing fundraising skills — Developing and writing proposals for state, local, federal, and private funding
Great leaders also empower and support others on their leadership journey. It’s important to be a mentor to others.
Developing a “personal mission statement” can provide motivation and context for your actions as a leader. The statement should describe your purpose and incorporate the values that mean the most to you. Be realistic. Set goals that are attainable but will require you to grow in your position. Here are some activities to help you develop your personal mission statement:
- List core values that have been important to you throughout your life.
- Describe the career you want and the professional person you aspire to become.
- Describe your distinctive competency.
- Describe the person you want to be in three to five years.
Resources
- The DISCstyle Workshop
- Leadership Development Plan from the Leadership Accelerator Workshop, September 30, 2015, led by Phil Eastman, Leadership Advisors Group.
- American Library Association Core Leadership and Management Competencies
For more information about training in library leadership, contact:
Annie Gaines, Continuing Education Consultant
annie.gaines@libraries.idaho.gov | (208) 639-4151