Into the Fire

It was only a short journey from bucolic Fall Creek Falls State Park  into the fire of the reality of library leadership.  I had only a few emails, but each one presented me with a problem to be solved--and solved quickly.  A phone call reassured me that I had made a good decision for the libraries but also that I had made several people angry with my decisiveness.  I stand by my decision and will use both the active and empathetic listening techniques that were presented to us at PLMI to try to win over those disappointed folks.

With a long list of real problems to solve, reports to prepare, bills to pay and a number of petty annoyances, I turned to Dr. Self's meditation techniques to keep me going.  What a respite it was to linger in that still space between breaths!  A phone call from one of the Mayors affirmed that I am perceived to be a leader in the community.  He invited me to attend a special presentation by Governor Haslam at a park that I, my son, and a number of other volunteers had helped create.  Another email invited me to attend a ceremony at which Governor Haslam will invest our new judge and a chancellor.  So tomorrow, I will have two opportunities to dress professionally, act professionally and present my personal brand and the library systems' brand to some distinguished members of our community.  I am happy for the opportunity.

Tonight, after meeting with the person who will prepare our financial statements for the auditor, I attended a meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.  First on the agenda was a vote to confirm an appointment to the Library Board of Trustees.  I had forgotten that was to be voted on and took a few deep breaths while I mentally rehearsed answers to any questions the they might ask me.  Fortunately, they voted unanimously in favor of the appointment,  no questions asked.

Tomorrow I will have a meeting with our new Branch Manager to show her the ropes of making a new staff schedule that will take into account the talents and skills of the staff, the budget and the need for succession planning.  We will also go over policy and our mission statement and any nuts and bolts questions she may have.  I will assure her that I will stand behind her and have confidence in her ability to lead and manage
 a dynamic  library and dedicated staff.

I have already pulled out a lot of the tricks I learned at PLMI and am sure there will be many opportunities to use them all and make up some of my own.  I am glad to have the opportunity to be a part of the Public Library Management Institute.  I am sure it will make our libraries better places for all members of our community.