Developing Library Leaders: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Coaching, Team Building, and Mentoring Library Staff

Abstract

In my first professional position more than eighteen years ago, I heard, quite often, the “dire” predictions about the retirement of the Baby Boomers and the likely dearth of capable library leaders in the aftermath. It was a topic of concern, naturally. As my career progressed, I kept an ear open for opportunities that might assist me in developing my leadership skills, as well as for mentors who might share their experiences. Each year brought more occasions for organized and systematic activities—workshops, seminars, and institutes—designed to build or enhance leadership qualities. It seemed that the adage “leaders are born, not made” was being discarded for a more practical philosophy: that leadership is an acquired set of skills that can be developed. This concept is the foundation of Stueart and Sullivan's How-To-Do-It Manual, Developing Library Leaders. The purpose of the work, as stated by the authors in the preface, is to present key leadership development approaches and encourage organizations to take steps to prepare the next generation of library leaders. The discussion focuses on mentoring, coaching, and team building, three processes that have proved to be relevant and useful in leadership development. At last, here is a practical, forthright compilation of tips, tools, guidelines, and resources for individuals wishing to become leaders as well as for organizations savvy enough to recognize the necessity of “developing” the leaders of the future. The work begins with a discussion on leadership in libraries and information services organizations, providing readers with a solid background on the roles and responsibilities of leaders. In the first few chapters, key theories and models are discussed, challenges and opportunities are addressed, and there are sections on partnering with staff and motivating staff for high performance. Particularly helpful are the tables throughout these initial chapters that call attention to such things as core competencies for leaders, development of leadership talents, and leadership self-assessment. The remaining chapters cover six fundamental strategies for developing leaders, with the first being influence and persuasion. Because the core of effective leadership is the ability to influence and persuade others, it is important for leaders to understand how power and influence work. The authors do a nice job analyzing the concept of persuasion and discussing styles and tactics. Next is a chapter devoted to building and leading groups and teams. Practically every organization these days places emphasis on teamwork and group dynamics, but do many people actually understand why teamwork is important? Do we understand group dynamics and how groups become teams? Do we know how to guide consensus decision making and encourage cooperation? These topics are discussed in detail and are made relevant with practical exercises and clear guidelines. Project management is the next of the six fundamental strategies for leaders. The authors discuss why project management is important and give tips on creating successful projects. The roles of the project manager are outlined, and sections are devoted to forming the project team, writing the project goals, developing a project plan, and using tools for project management. Anyone who has attempted to work on a team project without the benefit of a structured approach knows how frustrating this can be. This chapter is an antidote to such situations because it provides a formal, disciplined approach to designing, planning, and implementing a project and is complete with examples and practical tools. Coaching and mentoring are the focus of the next two chapters. Though the two concepts might seem similar, the authors explain how they are, in fact, quite different. Coaching is all about one person helping another to improve performance or solve a problem. In an organizational setting, coaching may involve developing strategies to help people meet organizational goals. The authors describe coaching as a problem-solving discussion directed toward improving an individual's performance and is understood to be an ongoing process of continuous improvement. Mentoring, on the other hand, is a process in an organization for career development as well as workplace learning and benefit. The authors state, “Mentoring is one of the most powerful methods by which an organization's future can be shaped” (p. 71). A mentor serves as a sponsor, counselor, coach, role model, promoter of professional activities, opener of doors, teacher, and so on. The mentoring process focuses primarily on professional development and career advancement. The figure, “Are you Ready to Be a Mentor?” (p. 77), is a great self-assessment tool for those considering becoming mentors. The final of the six fundamental strategies for leaders is succession planning. It is not enough to be a great leader; one must also prepare for the future by ensuring leadership continuity. The authors define succession planning and offer strategies and approaches involving recruitment, training, retention, and performance management. The leader's role and the steps involved in succession planning are outlined, followed by discussions on assessing competencies and key criteria for an effective program. This final chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing emerging leadership talents and matching those talents with predicted leadership roles. The work closes with an afterword that puts the six strategies into context. Again, the importance of mentoring, coaching, and team building are emphasized. The authors encourage information services organizations to promote performance enhancement and development. “The ensuing culture of enhancement will open up exciting new opportunities for both knowledge development and greater organizational success,” they conclude (p. 98). This book should be required reading for both new librarians as well as those already in leadership positions. Its straightforward style and excellent organization make for fascinating and informative reading. Particularly useful are the sidebars, figures, and thought-provoking questions and exercises scattered throughout the text. A new librarian would be wise to use this work to plan for the future, and an established leader will find it a valuable tool in establishing a framework for effective development of future leaders. Kind, Viki. The Caregiver's Path Compassionate Decision Making: Making Choices for Those Who Can't. Austin, TX: Greenleaf Book Group; 2010. 240 p. $14.95. ISBN: 978-1-60832-041-7. Bracken, Jeanne Munn. Children With Cancer: A Comprehensive Reference Guide for Parents. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2010. 569 p. $27.95. ISBN: 978-0-19-514739-1. The Country Doctor Revisited: A Twenty-first Century Reader. Edited by Therese Zink. Kent, OH: The Kent University Press; 2010. 191 p. $32.00. ISBN: 978-1-60635-061-4. Lawrence, Glen D. The Fats of Life: Essential Fatty Acids in Health and Disease. Piscataway, NJ: Rutgers University Press; 2010. 288 p. $59.95. ISBN: 978-0-8135-4677-3. Padovan, Dennis. Zoonotic Infections in North American Rodents. Anacortes, WA: Corvus Publishing Company; 2010. 141 p. $12.50. ISBN: 978-0-9760885-0-9.