Category Archives: Leadership

Can you Keep “Office Politics” out of Your Library?

Posted on November 30, 2012 by cbecker53

The topic of politics has dominated our world, our minds, our news outlets this year.   No matter how invested in the outcome, most of us are tired of it. Office politics is different, of course, but most of us are … Continue reading →

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Coaching–Not Just for Sports

Posted on November 19, 2012 by cbecker53

A good manager must also be a good coach.  Coaching involves identifying an employee’s skills and capabilities, and helping them to use them, which contributes to their ability to perform independently.  It also involves identifying areas that need improvement.  It … Continue reading →

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Is Your Boss a Jerk?

Posted on November 14, 2012 by cbecker53

Libraries are nice places.  And by and large, librarians are nice people.  But we’re human.  So if you work in a library, it’s possible that you may have had a bad boss, or maybe even one who is a jerk.  … Continue reading →

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Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been. . .

Posted on October 23, 2012 by cbecker53

Are you, or have you ever been, a bad boss?  Many of us have been, at one time or another, especially when first starting out.  But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way.  You can change. … Continue reading →

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Breaking up Doesn’t Have to Be So Hard to Do

Posted on October 12, 2012 by cbecker53

I recently blogged about the hiring process.  Today’s post takes a look at one of the opposite ends of the spectrum.  No, not firing, but that moment when a valued employee moves to a new position.   Actually, if you do … Continue reading →

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“Getting to Know You. . . ”

Posted on October 8, 2012 by cbecker53

  Here’s some simple tips from Leadership Freak about gaining influence over those you lead. Be humble. Know yourself and acknowledge your weaknesses. “The surprising truth is humble leaders gain influence because they know, understand, and appreciate others.” Leadership is … Continue reading →

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What Makes a Good Library Professional?

Posted on October 2, 2012 by cbecker53

I’ve been helping out with a public library system director search process.  I love hiring and interviewing; I don’t know why, I just do.  This process has gone very well, partly because of a very good committee. Anyway, we’ve had … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Customer Service, Decision-making, Employees, Hiring, Leadership, Management, Public Libraries, Recruitment, Selection, Strategic Planning | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Communication: Is it Hard to Talk About Yourself?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by cbecker53

Yup, I’m talking about communication again!  Makes you wonder about me, doesn’t it.  But, I have to say, I think it is so critical to being a good leader, manager, librarian. . . and in fact, being a good person!  … Continue reading →

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What Can You Do to Solve This?

Posted on September 17, 2012 by cbecker53

    Here’s a no-nonsense take on Handling Co-Worker Complaints and Backstabbing.  I like the first tip:  “Ask the complainer, ‘What can you do to solve this?’” Dan Rockwell goes on to offer simple suggestions, in a succinct post.  Read … Continue reading →

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Boost Your Presentation Skills

Posted on September 12, 2012 by cbecker53

As a leader, whether in libraries, or some other area, you will be called upon to make speeches and presentations.  And if you’re not, you should be finding opportunities to make speeches and give presentations.  This is a skill every … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment