Pearls of Tension

Yes, you read that right.  Not pearls of wisdom, but pearls of tension.

When working with others and in teams, tension is normal and inevitable.  You can’t avoid it.  But rather than ignore it, or stifle it, or abandon projects because of it, you should harness it.  The article Prepare for Creative Tension or It May Cloud Your Vision encourages you to use creative tension to your advantage, much like a grain of sand is the tension in the oyster that produces a pearl.

What a fine and helpful way to think of, and make use of, tension!

 

More About Guns in Libraries

Why Seattle Public Library Surrendered Its Gun Ban.  (KUOW Public Radio, Seattle)

I’m still not a fan.  Make your own decisions.  Know  the state and federal laws and have your policies in place. 

Bend the Rules for Customers

The article Today I Bent a Rule discusses an “employee-driven approach to more responsive customer service.”

I recommend you read it, and think about the ways that your library’s policies may present barriers that make it difficult for your staff to provide the best service possible to your users.  Can you re-think them?

photo credit: mzacha, 2009

 

Listening–And Communication Styles

“Why do people who consider themselves good communicators often fail to actually hear each other? Often it’s due to a mismatch of styles: To someone who prefers to vent, someone who prefers to explain seems patronizing; explainers experience venters as volatile.”

Not only do you have to present your information so that the other person receives it, even though your communication styles don’t match, you have to learn how to listen to those who use a different communication style.

This communication stuff is hard work, isn’t it?!

How to Listen When Your Communication Styles Don’t Match (from Harvard Business Review).

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane!

Here’s a fun and interesting way to look at career success!

5 Career Lessons to Learn from Superman (from the Fast Track).

Yes, it’s tongue in cheek, but hey, there’s some great pointers in here! Like:

• He maintains personal appearances.
• He knows his weak spots.  (Ever hear of kryptonite?)

Enjoy!

Collaboration is the Key!

But you don’t need me to tell you that.

Though focusing on companies and brands, you will find the post Collaboration is the Key applicable to collaboration in libraries as well.  “It’s nearly impossible for anyone to succeed by going it alone.”

How do you collaborate?

Three Things that Actually Motivate Employees

Guns in Libraries? No, Thanks.

The article Taking Aim at the Reality of Guns in Libraries (AmericanLibrariesMagazine.org) takes a thorough look at state laws throughout the country, and how they relate to the right of libraries to declare themselves gun-free zones.

Wherever you stand on carrying (whether openly or concealed) guns in libraries, you should probably read the article and be aware of your state’s statutes on the issue.

Disagreeing Without Being Disagreeable

In libraries, as in other organizations, sometimes people disagree.  After all, we’re only human.  Sometimes, you even have to disagree with your boss.  Not easy.  Sometimes you might just “suck it up” and move on.  But sometimes (and I’m sure some of you know this from experience), that can lead to growing unhappiness and bitterness, and your work and health can suffer.

Sometimes, you do have to let your boss know.  The question is “how?”  As it happens, I have found the following posts that offer you some advice:

• 3 Ways to Tactfully Disagree With Your Boss (The Fast Track)
• How to Disagree With Your Boss and Keep Your Job (US News)

One More Post About New Year’s Resolutions!

I should promise this is my last post this month about New Year’s resolutions, but I’d better not.  I might find another great post tomorrow I have to share!

Anyway, here’s another great one I have to share:  6 New Year’s Resolutions for Managers.  “Forget the typical new year’s resolutions about flossing more or getting to the gym. If you’re a manager, we’ve got your new year’s resolutions right here.”

And look!  I starts with goals!  What a surprise!  Enjoy!