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The Library & Information Science Professional's Career Development Center |
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Leading
from Non-Supervisory Positions |
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“Observe those who supervise
you,” encouraged Judy Albert. “See what works and what doesn't.
Consider how particular styles or methods of decision-making affect your
work. Examine your own capabilities as a leader -- is a supervisory
position right for you? Not everyone is cut out to be a manager, and
there is nothing worse than for someone who isn't, to aspire to that
level, often for the wrong reasons (money comes to mind), and not
realize his/her shortcomings.” Bob Schatz added, “Develop and
maintain respect for other people, no matter what their position. Good
leaders respect those who report to them, and to whom they report. Pay
attention to those attributes that you respect most in the people to
whom you report. Believe in yourself, and in your ability to be fair to
others. Realize that great leaders are in it for the people they lead,
not for themselves.” “Learn by example," urged
Alison Hopkins. "I learned by watching others, learning from what I
agreed with and what I thought could have been handled better. I would
run through situations in my mind, decide what I would have done, and
watch another person -- I then added to my knowledge base. This was
especially useful when learning how to handle customer situations. I
would try to handle them myself, then call a supervisor, and see how
they resolved the situation.” “How you define supervisory
skills is the key," Laura Sill reflected. "Supervisory skills
run the spectrum from communication, organizational, personnel
management, planning, leadership, etc. I think even when you are not in
a supervisory role, you can work on developing skills that would assist
you in a supervisory position. For example, you can show leadership on
projects, committees, within your work group, etc. You can work on your
relationships with your colleagues as a way to develop personnel
management skills (i.e., interpersonal skills).” Gerald Clark said, “You can demonstrate leadership even when not in a supervisory position. Leadership includes being proactive rather than reactive. Leadership means having all your ‘staff work’ done before presenting something to your supervisor (for review, for approval, etc.); this includes keeping up with advances in your field. Leadership means bringing your supervisor solutions, not problems. These are things I learned from 20 years' work in the USDA-Forest Service, before I became a librarian.” “Observe and model others that
you feel are good leaders,” advised Susan Davis. “Demonstrate
competence and interest in the assignment that you have. Become involved
with committees, task forces, student organizations etc. Volunteer for
an assignment and then do a great job with it! And learn to listen.” Priscilla K. Shontz is a web designer and freelance writer and has worked in university, community college, medical and public libraries. She is author of Jump Start Your Career in Library & Information Science and is a past president of the ALA New Members Round Table. Article submitted Mar 2002 Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in LIScareer articles are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the LIScareer editors.
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Page last updated
12/27/2005
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