Category Archives: Management

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 →

Posted in Communication, Decision-making, Leadership, Management | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Marketing for Libraries

Posted on December 3, 2012 by cbecker53

Marketing is more than “advertising” programs and other things happening at your library, and a marketing plan is not something you do when you feel like you’ve got everything else done.  It is not (or should not be) and afterthought! … Continue reading →

Posted in Management, Marketing, Public Libraries, Strategic Planning | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Employees, Leadership, Management | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Fun Way to Look at Listening–

Posted on November 26, 2012 by cbecker53

I’ve written about the importance of listening a few times (here and here).  A good manager must be a good listener, and as a matter of fact, we should all strive to be good listeners in all our relationships. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Listening, Management | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Employees, Leadership, Management | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Employees, Leadership, Management | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Employees, Leadership, Management | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Hiring, Leadership, Management, Selection | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“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 →

Posted in Communication, Leadership, Management | Tagged | Leave a comment

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