Management 101

I have 8 billion things to say on this topic. However, I can't because I know that some people read this blog that shouldn't read all my thoughts. It has actually sparked some ideas of mine about creating a truly anonymous blog quoting family and friends on things they encounter in the workplace.

I recently found out some unfortunate news about a former boss of mine. When I look back at the time I worked for her, I think of how much she helped shape who I am today. I guess that I can say the same thing for nearly every person I have worked for. Before I worked for her, I had the worst manager that I've ever experienced. She is a classic example of how you shouldn't manage a workplace. All my former managers had strengths and weaknesses. After all, don't we all bring a combination of practices to a workplace that we can be proud of, and others we wish we could take back? I really miss my boss from NYC (he isn't the one I heard the unfortunate news about). He could take a situation and really appreciate the irony, the responsibility attached to a task, and correctly evaluate our performance. He did all this with an amazing sense of humor. I don't think that I have ever had as encouraging a boss even though in the moment of all our stress we had a hard time appreciating his encouragement. When I saw him recently, I was reminded of how much I appreciated learning from him.

I've started reconsidering my role as a manager. One positive aspect of switching jobs is that I can recreate myself and take on the traits that I've wanted to develop and shed the ones that interfere with my performance. People don't have baggage so they see me in the present. I am afraid I could make all these changes right now and it wouldn't matter because people have their preconceived notions of me. I find that sad. I'm feeling pretty down about the whole management thing right now. I have some specific reasons I am down, but again I need to keep it to myself.

I've also reconsidered whether I want to remain a librarian. Because of other circumstances in my life, I am at a place where I can make some of these decisions. I want to start making a difference in the world. I don't think that is going to happen in my profession, or in my current environment.

But, I am grateful for Arno and Dianne for showing me how you can manage people ---- letting people grow, displaying a sense of humor, and being so supportive of me. The library community will miss your leadership.