Inspired by Each Other

Thursday, 04 June 2009 14:43

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At a recent management team meeting, we began by sharing stories about something that had inspired us at the library.  I was struck by the number of times that people mentioned internal interactons.  Being treated well by a colleague made a difference.  In many cases, not only did it provide great service to a customer, it made someone’s day.

In addition to pointing out how library colleagues provided gracious support, the staff from our facilities management company, Grubb & Ellis, and our laision at the City Law deparment, also received recognition.

Our libraries have been working with fewer staff, but higher circulation, for some time.  I’m pretty sure that our consideration of each other deserves partial credit for making that possible.  It keeps spirits up, and expresses authentic respect.

I encourage staff to acknowledge others when their good internal service makes a difference.  People deserve credit for work that is well-done, especially when it inspires someone else.

I’ll continue to say often that public library work is fundamentally good work.  When we perform our work in ways that support each other, our work is transformed into something that is gracious and meaningful.  That’s great for library employees, and it translates into rewarding service for our public.