As Whitman College's new librarian, I faced several challenges when I took office on March 1.The retirement of one senior librarian and the departure of another librarian employed by other agencies have made recruitment urgent.In addition, the current organizational structure needs to be re-evaluated and adapted to enhance functionality.The library liaison model needs to be clear and understood to faculty members, who lack teaching status and promotion mechanisms, resulting in lower salaries than their counterparts in other organizations.
In order to meet these challenges, I have taken positive measures.I had meetings with library staff, college administrators and human resources representatives to discuss the impact of lack of teaching status and promotion mechanisms on staff motivation and retention.During those meetings, we engaged in dialogue, explored potential solutions and agreed to continue to exchange views on these issues and, if necessary, to set up a task force to assess and propose ways to address them.
The College's administrators, including my immediate supervisor and other management leaders, supported the process, and I was advised by my former retired librarian and my former unit director.This challenging situation provided an opportunity for me to develop positive relationships with faculty, library staff, and other units of the college and community.
Looking ahead, the outstanding issue is how effectively the proposed solutions can be implemented to ensure further concerns about librarians' teaching status, promotion mechanisms and salaries.By actively engaging all stakeholders in the dialogue and working with the College's administrators, HR representatives and library staff, I hope to find sustainable solutions to drive, retain and overall wellbeing of Whitman College's library team.
Here are the areas where I intend to improve further:
Develop excellent communication skills: I'll try to improve my verbal and written communication skills, as well as my ability to listen actively.Clear and concise communication helps to communicate my expectations, provide feedback, and build good relationships with the team.For example, I have regular one-on-one meetings with department leaders and my direct debriefers, bi-weekly meetings with all librarians, and, if necessary, timely information and decision-making through other means of communication.
Building relationships: I spend time building good relationships with employees, colleagues and stakeholders.Understand their personal and professional needs and truly care about their work.Strong relationships help build confidence, promote cooperation and create a positive working environment.For example, I participate in employee-organized activities such as diversity learning activities and sponsor librarian retreats and summer activities.
Continuous learning and adaptation: As a supervisor, it is important to keep up with industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies.I will seek opportunities for professional development, attend conferences, seminars, and actively participate in social networks.Continuous learning and adapting to new challenges will improve my leadership skills and keep me ahead.For example, I will actively participate in the Council meetings of several of the alliances and in the International Federation of Atlas.He has signed up for the Academic Librarian Leadership Academy program at Harvard in late July.
Empower teams: I encourage team members to have autonomy and hold them accountable for their work.I will clearly define goals and expectations, assign tasks effectively, and provide support and resources.I will recognize and reward their achievements and create a culture of trust and responsibility.For example, I would encourage departments and librarians to take the initiative in managing their own projects, such as the renovation of the music library, and actively cooperate with others.I don't interfere too much in minor matters.
Receive feedback: I will actively seek feedback from the team, colleagues, and superiors.I am open to constructive criticism and see it as an opportunity for growth.I regularly evaluate my performance and make the necessary adjustments.Within the team, I encourage a culture of feedback that makes everyone comfortable and willing to share their thoughts and opinions.For example, I communicate regularly with librarians and staff for feedback.
Actions speak louder than words as a supervisor.I will lead by example and demonstrate the values and behaviors expected of the team.I will demonstrate integrity, professionalism and strong work ethic.I make decisions in a transparent and responsible manner and act on the basis of wise judgment and ethical considerations.For example, I will actively participate in various training and activities organized by the school and try to publish at least one journal paper.I will take responsibility, not shirk responsibility, and take risks.
I will also strive to foster a culture of innovation and encourage innovation and creativity within the team.I will create an environment that welcomes new ideas and gives everyone the power to take risks and explore new approaches.I will support experiments and provide resources to implement innovative projects.For example, I will reform the organizational structure and outreach model.
Remind yourself that as a supervisor, improvement is an ongoing process.I accept challenges, seek feedback, and constantly pursue growth and development.