I need to try new approaches of communication when advocating for the library to gain support from city officials and the library board.  I think I should be more forward when communicating with staff and also challenge and reward them more.  I want to be more thoughtful in my appreciation of them with internal and external thanks.  Who doesn't like a bag of chocolates?!!!  I sometimes get so busy with just making sure things get done I do not take time to do that.  I want to have one on one conferences with them.  It really helped me more than you will ever know just to have someone give all their attention to me and listen.

I feel I have filled my goals the last 3 years to increase circulation, card holders, build community, and implement programs that have  impacted our customers lives.  I am raising awareness for the library and working on building relationships with city officials and other people of the community, such as local newspaper reporters.

I want to implement programs that meet the needs of the community and measure outcomes.  I have learned so much from this program and would recommend anyone to attend.  Heather you are a fantastic teacher!  I will continue to use all that I have been taught.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  Did I tell you, thank you?  BTW....Thank you once again.  I wish you all the best.

The challenges were a  fun break from the classroom and practice for team work.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Mary talked about Winning Friends and using it as a leadership philosophy.  Comment:

She talked about how to convince someone (for example: a commissioner) to say yes to your request by getting to know who they are and getting them to talk about themselves.  The feeling that gives them will leave them remembering you because we all like to talk about ourselves.  This gives them a connection to the library, so when asking for my request again, they may say YES!!!!!

I had it saved as a draft.....here it is.

Overall, I have enjoyed working with Bambi and Glenda.  They make me laugh.  I think that we have worked effectively together. The group project is something I will definitively hold at LPL.  Thanks Heather for the one on one today.

I did blog on Tuesday, but apparently I did not save it, so here goes.....

I will approach county commissioners in a different way to win their full support.

Monday July 27, 2015

How I Feel About the Team Aspect and the Projects

I have a positive out look on our project.  I will definitely use this signature event at my library.  We are learning to work together by learning more about each other and who we are as individuals.

RELAXATION

Carole did a great job of  guiding me to a place within myself of relaxation.  I will definitely use these techniques in the future and share them with the staff.  The first technique she used was a great experience.  I seen myself putting my worries in the tub and closing the lid.  Then I watched as Jesus carried them away because He is my peace. The last technique Carole taught me how to take myself to a place that that I could visually see and imagine.  I was relaxing on a beach with my husband, feeling the constant breeze and watching the kids and grandchildren playing and having fun. I love being with my family. They are the greatest blessings in my life though I have many: great friends, two of which are very special to my husband and I, a job I enjoy, and good health.  Life is good!

WHERE I AM AT WITH MY STAFF AND WHERE WE ARE HEADED

My employees have great enthusiasm.  They love helping others.  Technology training is in the future.  This will allow them to fully serve our patrons.  I believe I need to recognize and reward my staff more often.  I definitely need to plan a staff day.  I think they will really enjoy it.  I want them to feel good and successful about their job and their abilities, as well as, know they are appreciated.  I do try to do this, but I am sure I need to do it more often.  My plan is to find creative ways to recognize them, for example, we will have a field trip to the  Indie Author Signing next year because they have showed interest in this.  We have grown closer as a team this year and I will continue to present activities and staff days that will make us the most effective team we can be.