Learn by Doing
1) Recognize opportunities
2) Learn about the ALA structure
3) Learn from other colleagues, mentors, and leaders
4) Network
Leadership Challenge
Are leaders born or made?
5 Leadership Practices
1) Challenge the process
--- question, suggest, think (and encourage others to think), innovate (application of ideas)
--- e.g. "I have a different approach (pause to gain attention) ..."
--- e.g. "It seems to me that we have a lot of work ... and not everyone is contributing ..."
--- effective strategies of persuasion = use research of the innovation in organizations, concentrate on how it will benefit the patron, provide support plan during change to combat fear of change
2) Inspire shared vision
--- become a futurist, clarify own vision as well as have others communicate clearly, engage/listen to others' ideas, speak positively and from the heart
--- Ron Heifeitz: become skillful at asking questions
--- if all else fails, have the courage to leave
3) Enable others to act
--- relationships are investments and are built on trust so be authentic, value other people and their contributions, involve others in meaningful activities
4) Model the way
--- actions coincide with principles and values so be mindful of actions and their effects
--- see Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
5) Encourage the love
--- recognize others actions, especially with tangible tokens
--- e.g. "Thank you for ..."
All people are "member-leaders" so all are collaborators.
