kathryn johns-masten electronic resources/serials librarian suny oswego sunyla 2010

Personnel Management: an odyssey

Kathryn Johns-MastenElectronic Resources/Serials Librarian

SUNY OswegoSUNYLA 2010

In the Beginning

There was a staff…

ExpectationsSet goals that everyone must meetDo as you want others to doSet the standard--make it clearAsk what staff expect of you

Set the Agenda

Clear goalsTeamworkAll in this together -- working for common

goal

CommunicationMake policies and procedures clearRegular MeetingsEmail, blog, webpage…..Talk with staff regularlyResponsibility

ParticipationRegular MeetingsReview of procedures/policiesComfort levelFoster “Safe Idea Zone”

PlanningBe willing to change the planAsk for inputBe flexible when possibleGroup planning not always possible or

necessary

Learning & Supervision StylesLearn how staff prefer to work and take

directionWhat kind of supervisor are you – hands on,

hands off or somewhere in the middleAdjust your style

Motivation Leadership is the art of getting someone

else to do something you want done because he wants to do it. –Dwight D. Eisenhower

Different levels of motivationHigh performers vs. low performersRecognize unique talentsFoster leadership and initiative in others

FeedbackLet people know – corrective feedbackTimely, honest and willing to listen Appropriate and based on issue/problemTalk about behavior not emotionsChallenging employeesStaff can’t improve if they falsely think they

are performing at peak

ChangeThe one thing we can count on…..When a supervisor retiresHiring new employees Find a better way…Leaders push others to do better, to learn

new things, to do things they might not like or are uncertain about. (from Leading with Kindness)

Best PracticesListening and patienceEmpathy and kindnessConscious leaderAdmit mistakesNot possible to change othersPromote/facilitate growth and learningKeep perspective

ConclusionsIt does pay to be kindA leader must “keep it real”Firefighter SyndromeSet clear boundaries for staff & yourselfYou can’t save everybodyLearn from othersFocus on real problems

Thanks!Questions..

Kathryn Johns-Mastenkathryn.johnsmasten@oswego.edu