As a newly appointed Branch Head Librarian in a bustling city library, and with prior experience as a Manager of Technology and Collections in a smaller community, I've learned that one of the most crucial aspects of stepping into a new leadership role is getting to know your team. Understanding the individuals you work with is the cornerstone of fostering a collaborative, supportive, and innovative work environment. Generated with DALL·E. Here's how you can embark on this essential journey: Staff Assignment: A Window into Your Team's WorldThe ‘Staff Assignment’ serves as your initial glimpse into the daily responsibilities and work-life of your team members, providing a structured opportunity for them to share insights about their roles, utilized tools, and perceptions of the library's operations. This exercise not only deepens your understanding of the library's complexities but also fosters discussions around possible enhancements and innovations. The assignment should instruct staff to summarize their primary duties and responsibilities, including details about specific software, apps, processes, or procedures critical to their everyday tasks. Ensuring the assignment's accessibility is crucial to encourage participation and elicit meaningful responses. You should allow your staff to choose their submission method—be it handwritten or digital—and offer flexibility with deadlines as being new you likely do not possess a full picture of the distribution and level of workload. The manner in which staff opt to submit their assignments can also offer valuable insights into their comfort with technology and preferred working styles. One-on-One Meetings: Beyond the SurfaceNext is scheduled personal meetings with every member of your team. These allow you to connect on a more personal level and understand the unique perspectives and contributions of each team member. This is the time to explore their passions, strengths, and areas where they seek growth. Provide equal time for every initial meeting, foster a sharing atmosphere, and be casual. There will be ample opportunity for followup meetings later. Tip: For your initial one-on-one meetings with staff I recommend focusing on personal interests, passions, and the historical development of the library throughout their tenure. Encourage an engaging conversation around these three key points:
Casual conversations, the unseen glue of team dynamics and a daily occurrence, should ideally flow smoothly, embracing the natural ebb and flow of unstructured interactions. These moments, characterized by their spontaneity and allowance for mistakes, necessitate humility and a willingness to occasionally engage in lighthearted silliness. It's crucial not to underestimate the impact of these unplanned exchanges, often occurring in the break room or during brief encounters in the stacks or work room. They serve as windows into personal interests, hobbies, frustrations, and aspects of team members' lives outside of work, thereby nurturing deeper connections and fostering an environment of mutual respect. Discovering Passions and StrengthsRemember that your team consists of individuals, each with their own lives and aspirations. As you interact with them, make it a point to uncover what truly motivates them. Ask yourself, what parts of their job spark their excitement? Identifying these passions is key to aligning their tasks with what they genuinely enjoy, which in turn can significantly enhance both their job satisfaction and overall productivity. Identifying Areas for DevelopmentRecognizing areas for development is as crucial as understanding strengths, and these discussions should be approached with empathy and a focus on growth. Emphasize opportunities for enhancing skills and provide the necessary resources for improvement. By exemplifying the introspection and behaviours you hope to see in your team—such as learning new things, acknowledging your own weaknesses, and seeking feedback—you can set a powerful example. This not only encourages your team members to embrace similar behaviours but also helps to reduce fear and anxiety associated with acknowledging and working on one's own areas for improvement. Team Meetings: Group DynamicsIf possible in your leadership role, it's beneficial to establish regular team meetings to keep your staff informed, solicit feedback, encourage dialogue, nurture ideas, monitor group dynamics, and stay updated on project progress. Initially, I suggest the first one or two meetings avoid focusing on project-related or potentially stress-inducing topics for staff members. Instead, use these initial gatherings to acquaint yourself with your team, observe their interactions, and cultivate relationships. Employing icebreaker games during these early meetings can be an effective strategy to create a conducive atmosphere for building rapport and fostering a positive team environment. Icebreaker Games: Building Team CohesionIntroducing fun, engaging icebreaker activities can work wonders in breaking down barriers and building camaraderie among team members. Simple games that encourage sharing of personal stories or quirky facts can lighten the atmosphere and make everyone more comfortable. Some ideas for icebreakers activities include the ‘Trial by Trolley’ board game, True Colours test, and the Myers–Briggs personality test. Active Listening: The Foundation of TrustListening attentively to your team's insights, concerns, and suggestions without judgment is crucial. It not only helps in identifying areas for improvement but also establishes you as a leader who values their team's input and wellbeing. Be upfront, honest, and straightforward with your team. This establishes a foundation to build trust. Remember it is easier to share with someone who is willing to share back and it is easier to share with someone who is genuine and being their true self. Your Team as a Repository of KnowledgeView your team members not just as employees but as invaluable sources of knowledge about the organization and the community you serve. Teams are likely to possess decades of experience and these collective experiences can contribute greatly to strategic decisions and coming up with innovative solutions. In ConclusionGetting to know your team is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial days of your new role. It requires patience, openness, and genuine interest in their well-being and professional growth. As you embark on this journey, remember that the strength of your library lies not just in its collections but in the people who bring it to life. Through understanding and supporting each other, you can collectively enhance your library's value to the community and foster an enriching workplace for all. Generated with DALL·E.
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The cosmos has always fascinated humanity, from ancient astronomers gazing at the stars to modern scientists exploring the universe with cutting-edge technology. For those of us who can't launch into space ourselves, astronomy-related YouTube channels offer a window into the vastness and beauty of the universe. Highlighting the current selection of ‘Recommended Astronomy-Related YouTube Channels’ I’ve curated and featured in the Astronomy section of this site, here's a list that will take you on a journey through the cosmos, each with its unique perspective on space exploration and science. Generated with DALL·E. AstrumAstrum is your go-to channel for diving deep into the mysteries of our Solar System. With a series of videos dedicated to each planet, this channel answers burning questions about the size of the Solar System, the celestial bodies that orbit our Sun, and why space exploration should matter to us. Through stunning visuals from probes and spacecraft, Astrum brings the beauty of space right to your screen. Canadian Space AgencyThe Canadian Space Agency (CSA) channel is a treasure trove of information for those interested in the advancements of space through science. Coordinating all civil, space-related policies and programs, CSA's channel offers insights into how space science and technology are benefiting society and contributing to the knowledge of space. Crash Course AstronomyPhil Plait, also known as The Bad Astronomer, takes viewers on an educational journey through space in this Crash Course Astronomy series. This playlist is perfect for those looking to understand the basics of astronomy in an engaging and accessible format. European Space Agency, ESAThe ESA channel is your European gateway to space. With a mission focused on the peaceful exploration and use of space, the ESA channel offers clips showcasing Earth, the Universe, and significant space events. This channel is a testament to the collaborative spirit of space exploration. Event HorizonHosted by John Michael Godier, Event Horizon is a narrative-driven show focusing on science, astronomy, and space science. With special guests and a variety of topics, this channel explores the latest in space science and technology, making complex subjects accessible to a wider audience. Hubble Space TelescopeManaged by the Space Telescope Science Institute, this channel offers a glimpse into celestial phenomena revealed by the Hubble Space Telescope's advanced technology. From exploring age-old questions about the universe to sharing the beauty of celestial discoveries, the Hubble Space Telescope channel is a gateway to the wonders of the cosmos. HubbleESAFor the latest videos from the ESA/Hubble collaboration, the HubbleESA channel is a must-visit. This channel features stunning visuals and updates from one of the most iconic space telescopes in history, bringing the universe closer to home. Isaac ArthurFocusing on futurism and space exploration, Isaac Arthur's channel explores scientific concepts within the realm of known science and major theories. This channel is perfect for those who love to blend science with a touch of science fiction, offering a thoughtful look at the future of space exploration. KosmoKosmo is an exciting channel for those with an inquisitive mind, eager to learn more about the mysteries of our infinite universe. From the riddles of space to the possibilities of other worlds, Kosmo invites viewers to ponder the vastness of the cosmos. Learn the SkyJanine, the creator of Learn the Sky, shares her passion for astronomy by teaching viewers how to identify constellations, stars, and celestial objects. This channel is a blend of science and mythology, perfect for stargazers of all levels. NASANASA's official YouTube channel offers an inside look into the agency's mission to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research. With a history spanning over six decades, NASA's channel provides unparalleled access to the latest in space exploration and discoveries. PBS Space TimeHosted by astrophysicist Matthew O’Dowd, PBS Space Time explores the outer reaches of space and the complexities of astrophysics. This channel is ideal for those looking to dive deep into the scientific theories and possibilities that stretch beyond our planet. SEAThe SEA channel offers a relaxed approach to exploring all things space-related. From the latest space news to deep dives into unsolved mysteries, this channel provides a laid-back way to satisfy your curiosity about the cosmos. SpacedockFor fans of science fiction, Spacedock is the perfect channel to explore the specifications, history, and lore of fictional spacecraft. This unique blend of reality and fantasy offers a creative look at the possibilities of space travel. SpaceRIPSpaceRIP delivers both long and short videos on astronomy and related topics, providing viewers with a broad range of content to explore the universe and its wonders. V101 ScienceV101 Science combines powerful visuals with mysterious music to explore intriguing science topics. For those wondering about the conditions inside Jupiter or the secrets of the universe, this channel offers visually captivating and informative videos. Each of these channels offers a unique perspective on astronomy and space exploration, making the vastness of the cosmos more accessible and understandable. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting to explore the night sky, these YouTube channels are sure to spark your curiosity and expand your knowledge of the universe. |
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