Inspirational quotations can be very motivating in the workplace. Some staff members place positive statements near their computers or add them to their email messages. At my library branch, a staff member adds motivational quotations to our employee bulletin board. Placed predominately above our copier and fax machine, it’s an easy way for us to reflect and reinvigorate while we work. Children’s book authors definitely have their place on this display; our bulletin board currently features witty musings from Dr. Seuss. Quotations also served in a meaningful way at our branch meeting last month. Staff members from all library departments reviewed quotations written on index cards during the meeting and chose a quotation that was most inspiring to them. The quotations focused on teamwork, but each card was unique and allowed employees the opportunity to find a statement they personally appreciated. Staff members volunteered to read their quotation to the…
Tag: meetings
Pre-New Year’s Resolution – more effective meetings
At a meeting of our children’s summer reading committee a couple months ago, a children’s librarian brought up an idea that was shot down almost immediately with little discussion. As she told me later, she was dismayed not that the idea didn’t have support, but that it was so easy for a few vocal folks to voice negative opinions that drowned out any possibility of alternate viewpoints. It’s possible that the idea wouldn’t have flown even after a thorough discussion, but it didn’t get the chance. As the person who presided over this meeting, I felt terrible – I want to make sure that all ideas have a fair chance to be heard. For the future, I’ll try to use these methods: Establishing groundrules Establishing a method of coming to decisions Establishing groundrules – The group decides on these together, as the first agenda item at the first meeting. They…