jock librarian

In See Jane Lead: 99 Ways for Women to Take Charge at Work and in Life, Lois P. Frankel, PhD considers the quintessential qualities necessary for successful leadership. When she asks her workshop participants to name the people who made a significant difference in their lives (e.g. teachers, coaches, bosses) and tell the group what made this person so effective, their lists nearly always include some of the following key behaviors:

• Treated me as human being, not just an employee.
• Believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.
• Went to bat for me.
• Kept his or her word.
• Trusted me.
• Stretched me by setting high expectations and giving me the tools to achieve them.
• Asked for my opinion--and listened to the answer.
• Set a good example.
• Showed enthusiasm for his or her work.

Libraryland is chockfull of encouraging, trusting and generous folk. I've been lucky enough to know many a librarian with these notable charateristics. Someday I hope to pay tribute to these mentors (among them a special person named Susan).