One of the most rewarding aspects of my time as an ALSC member has been the opportunity to serve as committee co-chair. I have served as co-chair of what was once the Public Awareness Committee, then stayed on as the committee merged with Advocacy, now known as the Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee. I am now in my second year as co-chair of the Membership Committee. Committee chairing is not for everyone. You can get so much out of ALSC membership without stepping into a leadership position. Webinars, We Are ALSC chats, and committee work are all incredibly beneficial. For those interested, here are some things I have gotten out of my time as co-chair. Co-chairing a committee is a great way to gain professional leadership experience. When applying for my current management position, I was able to use my ALSC experience to prove my leadership abilities. Duties such as…
Tag: leadership skills
Leadership at Any Level: Empowering Library Staff
Definitions of leader and leadership are endless, but no specific person or job title makes you a leader. Rather, leadership is a conscious, daily decision. Before you can lead anyone else, you must first lead yourself. Then, it’s all about owning and customizing the journey. Here are some go-to tips (and my examples) for incorporating elements of leadership wherever you are. Own Your Journey We all have gaps, blind spots, and opportunities to improve. First, admit both the good and bad. Next, own your development. Actively seek growth opportunities. If you make a mistake, admit it. Then, commit to doing better. Further, focus on choosing evolving, long-term goals that allow you to adapt. Your focus will likely change as you grow, and that’s okay. Look for ways to build regular learning into your schedule. Finally, remember small steps add up to much progress. Make Space A few years ago, I…