Communication 101

I believe one of the most important communication tips that Susan Jennings offered was "practice listening more than talking."  And when listening be sure to clarify what the person is saying and then define expectations clearly.  As a supervisor you should also recognize the different communication styles of your staff and strive to relate with all of them. 

Where we are now and where we are going

Our library is a friendly library; however, I would like us to become more computer service oriented.  I would like to train my part-time staff member so that she is more comfortable helping patrons use the computer and also enhance her computer skills so that she may be more beneficial to the patrons.  I believe with a few lessons in Word, Excel and e-mail, she will be more confident and helping our patrons overcome their anxieties about the computer.

Performance Management

I thought it was very interesting that Maggie Bahou reinforced the practice of providing continuous feedback for staff members as part of the Performance Management concept.    Currently our library system only does an annual evaluation wherein the Director does the evaluations; however, no co-worker input is sought by the Director.  Also as staff members, we are not ask to evaluate or provide any feedback for the Director in any way.
Ideally, I feel our system could be made better by conducting evaluations at least quarterly.  And more so as specific issues arise.  I believe the staff member/ who made need to adjust their work responsibilities should be addressed privately and not the entire staff addressed as a group.  I feel a manager should take into consideration personality, home life, and work effort/environment when investigating a potential personnel problem.   And likewise take these aspects into consideration when addressing that problem.  
I felt the quote "People don't quit companies; they quit managers." is very accurate. 

PMLI 2014 - Staff Development

Currently our staff is not encouraged to know each other on a personal basis.  By applying concepts within Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory to help develop and grow the personnel within our branches, I believe the staff could work more as a team. I would like to see the staff develop bonds and friendships that would ultimately enhance the library's ties with the community it serves.

A Manager's Guide to the Emotional Workplace

A Manager's Guide to the Emotional Workplace

I chose to view the above webinar.  The main focus of the webinar was to learn to deal with sensitive issues in the workplace and learn to diffuse emotionally charged situations.
It was pointed out that many times a small problem grows larger when we tend to ignore the problem in hopes that it will resolve itself.  The problem can go from small to large then to a crisis situation.  Once it reaches the crisis situation managers wanting to get the issue resolved quickly often offer poor solutions and end up damaging relationships within the workplace.
One of the main goals in dealing with emotion in the workplace is to recognize those involved and their feelings and truly listen to their dilemma.  Managers should work the issue through with all  workers involved.  In listening to the employee's needs, managers should refrain from beginning to analyze someone else's thinking process.  Let the employee tell you what it going on and why they are feeling a certain way.  Also when dealing with emotions the manager should strive to create an atmosphere that is less defensive in nature.  Don't make the employee feel they have to defend their feelings.  Listening is the key to resolving the matter.  By listening and thus causing the employee to share the nature of the problem you can increase your creativity and problem solving by being open therefore ensuring resolution of the conflict.

Dining Out

Recently we had dinner out at Chili's.  Our waitress was a young girl.  She was very nice and friendly.  She consistently checked our table and refilled drinks.  Our food was somewhat slow to be served although the restaurant wasn't packed. The food was to order once it was served. Overall it was a good dining experience.

PMLI 2013 Summary

I enjoyed meeting so many nice people at PMLI.  I learned several things that I will take back to our library to hopefully enhance and improve our library.  I enjoyed our team work.  And it is always helpful to see how others are viewing the same project or dilemma and how everyone has a little bit different solution due to their personal experiences and perspectives.
I will have to say that I wasn't expecting as much "homework" as we had.  And it would have been nice to have a little more time to enjoy the park.  Overall it was a good learning experience.  I felt it was well organized and informative.  I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.