Category Archives: Communication

What Do You Expect?

Posted on September 27, 2013 by cbecker53

First of all, for anyone who reads my blog who doesn’t know a lot about what library directors and library staff do—Let me make one thing perfectly clear:  We work hard.  People who work in libraries do not sit and … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Decision-making, Employees, Leadership, Library Trustees, Listening, Management, Supervision | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Just to Be Clear. . .

Posted on September 19, 2013 by cbecker53

Yes, I know I’ve written about communication before.  Perhaps you think I write about it too much.  So sue me; I think it’s important! Yup, that’s a lead-in to another post about communication.  Well, actually to a few links about … Continue reading →

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Cash in On Social Media

Posted on August 28, 2013 by cbecker53

So, OK, I do recommend that libraries have some social media presence, whether Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, whatever. . .  or a combination of any of them.  BUT, I don’t think you should have these just for the sake of having … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Communication, Customer Service, Fundraising, Library in Community, Library Programs, Library Services, Marketing, Public Libraries, Social Media | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hodge Podge

Posted on June 20, 2013 by cbecker53

Gentle Readers, A recent spate of family issues, coupled with preparing to teach two online courses in the fall, has contributed to my lack of blog posts.  I’m still caught up in both, so today’s post will be links to … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Communication, Employees, Listening, Management, Public Libraries, Supervision | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Managing UP!

Posted on April 5, 2013 by cbecker53

So often managers, in and outside of libraries, concentrate only on managing those they supervise.  But I’m here to tell you, or remind you, that you also need to cultivate your relationships with those above you on your organizational chart, … Continue reading →

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You Can’t Go Wrong With Chocolate!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by cbecker53

So, today’s post isn’t really about chocolate, except tangentially.  But maybe I grabbed your attention.  Which is really what it is all about. The Illinois Libraries Matter post on Are you Talking to Yourself made me re-think what I’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Library in Community, Library Programs, Library Services, Marketing, Promotion, Public Libraries, Social Media | Leave a comment

What’s the Real Issue?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by cbecker53

Today’s post has to do with communication again, which I know I’ve addressed before.  But today’s topic is more specifically about communication about workplace problems or issues. Often, when people tell us about something that’s worrying them, they talk “around” … Continue reading →

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Are You Communicating Clearly?

Posted on March 12, 2013 by cbecker53

Sometimes as managers, supervisors, library directors, we communicate with our staff in polite, collaborative ways (after all, we want everyone to like us!), when we really need to be more direct and make it more clear that we are not … Continue reading →

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“Nope. Sorry. Not my Strength.” Not Acceptable!!

Posted on February 8, 2013 by cbecker53

Great post on All Things Workplace about strengths.  Read it!  I agree, it’s important to focus on strengths, and it makes sense to hire people to do the things they are best at.  However, sometimes we all have to do … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptable Behavior, Communication, Customer Service, Employees, Management, Public Libraries, Supervision | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are you a Collaborative Leader?

Posted on December 12, 2012 by cbecker53

And if not, why not?!  (And don’t tell me you’re not in a leadership position, either.  There is such a thing as leading from within, you know.) Anyway, be sure to check out 12 Things Collaborative Leaders Do by Jessie … Continue reading →

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