Leadership
If leadership is mostly learned rather than an innate ability, then continuous learning is a vital contributor to leadership growth. “Never stop learning” is good advice, but it is one of those tasks that’s easier said than done.
One school of thought in leadership suggests those who do it well can role play some area of their work for which they are less than authentically passionate. While that may be a useful leadership skill for unique situations, there are some things leaders should never fake.
Almost no one casually pulls their library’s strategic planning documents out of their pocket. No one, that is, except Peter Bromberg, executive director of the Salt Lake City Public Library (SLCPL), who did just that when I saw him at the LJ Directors’ Summit in San Diego, December 6–7.
There are many ways that leaders can improve, from informal learning to leadership programs. While it seems obvious that honest feedback would contribute to the cause, obtaining it—and effectively responding to negative feedback—is not so simple.
Library Journal’s 2018 Directors’ Summit, held December 6–7 in San Diego, CA, convened 170 attendees at the San Diego Public Library’s Central Library to explore innovative ideas, programs, and services around the theme “Break Through: Unconventional Approaches, Exceptional Impact.”
Administrative bloat is often blamed for the spiraling cost of higher education. Is this a real or imagined problem? In what ways, if any, do academic libraries have an impact?
A library leader’s big picture vision is fueled by information from diverse sources. Leaders may find themselves inundated by a steady flow of reports and studies, some of which may be noteworthy while others are of questionable value. Leaders need a clear path of action to make the distinction.
The dire warning embodied in the new “Global Warming of 1.5° C” report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should have everyone focusing on the pressing crisis that is upon us. Even in the best outlook, we are facing a frightening future.
Seasoned leaders know the importance of having their 30-second pitch about the library down to perfection. If you’ve somehow overlooked this or are new to leadership, now is the time to craft your pitch.
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