TEAM BAM! - Part 2

Wow. It's been a great day at PLMI.  We learned all about Outcomes vs. Outputs as it relates to our library programming. What a way to shake up a room full of librarians who have been tracking outputs and activities during their entire professional lives. It is an intriguing new way of thinking for us that should pay dividends as we journey through this transition. I'm looking forward to it as a librarian with only 2+ years in the field.

Team BAM (Brad, Gail and Pam) is working together well. I really enjoy working with these two smart, competitive library directors. I'm sure our project will reflect our teamwork. I feel like I'm in a small family with Brad and Pam.

As a special treat, we went on a boat ride this afternoon. Loved it. Thank you, Heather.

PLMI Year 3. Day 1 & Day 2

Day 1
Love Paris Landing State Park. Feeling good about our group project and our group. I'm honored to be working with Brad Walker and Pam Rudnitzki.

Day 2
Mary Carpenter is an engaging speaker who covered Dale Carnegie's book in just a couple of hours. Winning Friends and Influencing People is a leadership imperative. The Principles discussed seem simple, but take a concerted effort to turn them in to a habit.

Gearing Up for PLMI 2015

Woo Hoo! Success! I finally managed to get into the blog after resetting the password. It is amazing how the aging process wipes my mind clean so quickly. I'm grateful for what I still have.

Until I get a little progress on my capstone project, I'm feeling oddly anxious and unnerved.  That will go away soon, I'm sure of it. Right now I'm looking like my friend (see below), the Screaming Banshee. She's kinda cute.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Paris later this month. In the meantime, my husband and I are still involved in the endless unpacking at the new house. He has planted wildflowers, and the grounds look so pleasant. Lots of American Goldfinches live here--small, bright yellow birds with black wings.

May 2015. View of the back of the house. Love those wildflowers!

PLMI, Year 2, Day 4: Buffalo River Friends Forever

How fortunate I am to have joined this PLMP with three fellow Directors from the Buffalo River Region. We really connected well and love to see one another at PLMI and Regional events. Crystal had the idea to get matching t-shirts for this session. I suggested using the geek design. After a few clicks on the computer, we have shirts. We are looking forward to surprising our Regional Director, Marion, along with Jacqueline, Kim and Kathryn at the center in Columbia with this photo. We look happy here, don't we? Cecilie took a better photo on her iPad...but this one from my phone turned out good enough for a quick post tonight.

I spared no expense getting BRFF "jewelry" on the journey to Fall Creek Falls and insisted that we all wear our kush ball bracelets. After a 30 second Power Pose, we joined hands for a photo. Yay BRFF!

PLMI, Year 2, Day 4: Robert Benson

Among the excellent speakers who presented to the PLMI cohort today was Robert Benson, Director of Library Services at Roan State Community College. What a dynamic speaker! He conducted an exercise helping us remember the empowerment that comes from jobs where we had the chance to contribute by focusing on our strengths and talents. Each member of the cohort shared, allowing us to gain an even deeper understanding of our fellow students. In addition, Robert shared information about Simon Sinek's "Golden Circle" and Jim Collins' "Hedgehog Concept," which expanded on the branding concepts we've been discussing. I found this illustration for the Hedgehog to be helpful.

PLMI, Year 2, Day 3: One Small Change with Staff

My first word cloud using some of the words from the branding exercise. I like it!

Where am I now? I don't conduct performance evaluations or set goals with the staff. Where do I want to be? I want to engage the staff more, and I know that goals and performance reviews will support that. I'll start with the Branch Manager at the other library in our system. I would hate to lose her due to lack of feedback from me. Currently, I just try to stay out of her way because she is extremely dynamic, driven and busy. I need to check in with her. I'll set a meeting next week.

Since Ms. Oma Dean, the Library Assistant at the Main Branch, has given her notice, I'll plan to set goals with the new Library Assistant. What? You are surprised that Ms. Oma Dean, the most loyal Library Assistant in the world, has resigned? Given that she is 80+ years of age and has been dealing with a painful leg, I guess she has valid reasons to quit. However, I insisted that this is a terrible idea and asked her to reconsider. She is well-aware that hiring her was the best thing that has happened to me in the 1 year and 9 months I have been in the job. It's been a great run and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. I plan to ask Chuck S. sign a certificate honoring her service to Perry County patrons. *sigh*

PLMI, Year 2, Day 2: Managing Performance

Today, we had the pleasure of meeting Maggie Bahou, Director of Human Resources and Organization Development for the Secretary of State. She shared a wealth of information about Managing Performance continuously and annually. My library standards specify one annual performance review for the Director by the Board. With 19 months on the job, I think it is time for me to work with the Board to accomplish this. In addition, I believe all of the team at both Perry County libraries will benefit from evaluations and goal-setting.

I have an extensive background on this topic in healthcare, banking and manufacturing. Frankly, I had hoped to never see a performance evaluation form again. I have always doubted the efficacy of performance evaluations, and Maggie confirmed that all performance management systems have flaws. However, she also stressed that managing performance doesn't have to be a lengthy process as long as it brings about change. What a relief. She gave some great tips and allowed our group to ask questions throughout her presentation which sparked loads of discussion and sharing of great ideas. I learned so much from our cohort and from our talented facilitators. I feel energized about the topic and enthusiastic about dusting off the old skills combined with the fresh information shared today to manage performance effectively.

On another note, today's discussion gave me the opportunity to share the fabulous acronym shared with me by my former colleague, Ayn. H.A.L.T. stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. If I need to share performance feedback, I should not do so if I am feeling hungry, angry, lonely or tired (or if the employee I am sharing with is feeling hungry, angry, lonely, tired). This self-check tool is really helpful in many situations and can help performance management discussions be more effective.