Graduation Day

We held the graduation ceremony for our first LEAP group on Thursday, May 11, 2006. It was a huge success and a proud moment for the members and our Library. We had an opportunity to hear presentations of the small groups' year-long projects. We were treated to very professional, engaging mutlimedia presentations on three important issues: internal communication, cross-training, and customer service modeled after a well-known retail establishment. There is plenty of food for thought and we will be examining these projects to see how we may apply the concepts to improve our organization.
Afterward, two class members made very moving remarks about their individual experiences. They were such powerful speeches that I will include them in subsequent posts. Finally, Judith Drescher, our Director and leader par excellence, inspired the group to close the circle and put their experiences into practice.
All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon. I was really touched by the pride each class member displayed. Any doubts or concerns I had about the quality of the program or its importance for the class members went right out the window. I look forward to seeing the fruits of our labor.

Blogs for Leaders

A recent post to our very own LEAP member Kevin's MPLIC Techtrain blog, http://mplictechtrain.blogspot.com/ made me realize what a tremendous resource the blog world is for everyone, potential leaders included. His post, "Put Everything in One Place and Be Done with It" underscores the need to have a "management tool" so to speak when sifting the web for information. The technology that allows you to choose an aggregator and subscribe to blogs is a wonderful opportunity to have relevant, timely leadership information sent to your account.
I have found some great blogs that are very relevant to my position, and to the concept of organizational leadership. These are just two of the many I have found in my searches: http://www.blogwriteforceos.com/blogwrite/
http://kmblogs.com/public/item/85527
Take a look at them! And, use your aggregator to find other blogs and sites that will enhance your leadership reading and learning. Finally, comment to this post and share what you found!

Why Would You Want to Be in LEAP

I have received quite a few calls this week regarding the application process. Most were matter of fact questions about having supervisors sign off, the deadline, etc. But, I had one very interesting question. "What is going to happen to those who are graduating from the current class?" In other words, how did they benefit?
The question gave me pause. Really what the person was asking was, "What's in it for me?" or WIIFM. As a trainer, I understand the importance of this concept. Much of our motivation for learning new concepts, accepting new responsibilities, enrolling in classes, etc. revolves around this question. Instinctively, I feel that true leaders are motivated intrinsically. A leader does the right thing because it is right. A leader avails himself of learning opportunities for self improvement.
However, one cannot discount the importance of the WIIFM. So, here are some great reasons why you should apply for the program:

• Candid insight into the history and philosophy of the Library system, as told by its current leadership
• Continual opportunities to learn new communication skills and techniques, and improve on existing ones
• Gain a deeper understanding of public relations as it relates to libraries
• Learn who our major collaborators are
• Have an opportunity to shadow and model current library leaders

These are just a few of the reasons why you want to consider being a part of this great program.

LEAP Program Schedule

In order to make the LEAP experience a consistent one, we will be maintaining the same program schedule as last year. However, there will be some minor modifications to some of the programs. Also, the order of the sessions may need some minor adjustment in order to refine the flow of the program.
Here is the schedule in its current form:

July
Welcome Reception
August
Leap Retreat
September
Essentials of Communication
October
Follow the Book
November
Part 1: Challenge throughout System History
Part 2: We've Come a Long Way, Baby
December
Public Relations: Our Window on the World
January
Shake 'Em Up: A Day in the Life Somewhere Else
February
The Library world Beyond Memphis Public
March
Community Involvement
April
Where I Went/What I Learned
May
Graduation

I will be adding more content regarding these sessions, including links to PowerPoint Shows and .pdf versions of the handouts in the near future.

What is LEAP

LEAP is a leadership program of Memphis Public Library and Information Center.

LEAP (Leadership Empowerment Achievement Program) is designed to:

• identify potential leaders within the library system,

• allow employees interested in advancement an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, and

• develop a pool of individuals who can assume leadership roles when the need arises.

The objectives for participants in LEAP are:

1. develop visionary leadership through practical hands-on experience and classroom training sessions;

2. develop awareness of external and internal social and political influences impacting the library system, resulting in effective communication strategies for disseminating information;

3. develop proactive strategies to address a shifting workplace environment; and

4. gain an understanding of the overall operation of the library system and how each part works together to support the organization’s mission.

The following is a list of “soft skills” or “transferable skills” identified by the Leadership Development Steering Committee as shaping future Memphis Public Library leaders. Individual LEAP sessions were designed based on these competencies; each session addresses one or more of these skills:

• identifying and appreciating various leadership styles

• effective communication

• motivating followers and teambuilding

• ethical leadership

• valuing professional organizations

• advocacy and outreach

• stress management

• strategic planning

• personal and professional development

• dealing with change

• coaching and mentoring

• community awareness

• public relations

• coping with chaos

• recognizing charateristics of good leaders

• political acumen or savvy

• building collaborative elationships

• networking

• handling criticism and adversity

• creating and communicating vision

• understanding the library "big picture"

• time management

• identifying future trends