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Leading Libraries In Turbulent Times. Presented by Luis Herrera, President Public Library Association. Nevada Library Association, Mountain Plains Library Association & REFORMA Conference November 7, 2003. “In a crisis you have to be optimistic. When I said
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Leading LibrariesIn Turbulent Times Presented by Luis Herrera, President Public Library Association Nevada Library Association, Mountain Plains Library Association & REFORMA Conference November 7, 2003
“In a crisis you have to be optimistic. When I said the spirit of the city would be stronger, I didn’t know that. I just hoped it.” Rudy Guiliani, Former Mayor of New York City
Seven Habitsto Futile Leadership* • Expect total domination • Lose total identity with the organization • Believe you have all the answers • Eliminate anyone who doesn’t endorse your vision • Develop a high-profile persona • Underestimate obstacles • Cling to tried and true methods of the past *Sidney Finkelstein – Fast Company
Top IssuesFacing Library Organizations • Resource management • Workforce development • Library organizational structures • Funding and revenue sources • Redefining services and roles • Privatization
Top IssuesFacing External Environment • Responding to public with changed expectations • Changing role of libraries • Demographic change • Political, social and economic factors • Public awareness/relevance • Change in information industry
Turbulence Factors • Internal • Infrastructure – buildings, technology, etc. • Staffing – retirements, unexpected turnover • Community • Change in community dynamics • Demographic change • Political • Shift in power • Change in commissions and boards • Economic • Funding
The Ostrich Communicates poorly Retrenches Lost and confused Looks for scapegoats Low morale The Dolphin Good communicator Embraces change Focused Looks forward Resilient What Does YourOrganization Look Like?
Preparing for Turbulence • Focus on core values • Revisit goals • Prioritize services • Build for the future • Measure and evaluate progress
Strategic Leadership • Build a team • Identify talent • Traing and deploy as necessary • Build community • Establish and nurture partnerships • Establish support groups • Build relationships • Focus on people, not policies • Value diversity and inclusion
Envisioned Leadership • Develop your personal portfolio • Understand your power and influence • Prepare relentlessly • Communicate your vision • Have a plan • See the big picture • Focus on the organization • Foster a collaborative and cooperative environment • Streamline operations • Enjoy the journey!
“… the success of leadership can be measured by what kind of talent and structure one leaves behind.” Vartan Gregorian, former president New York Public Library