Lessons from a Leader's First Year

摘要

A colleague once told me that librarians get into management like penguins falling off an ice floe. While it's not the most flattering image, it felt a little too apt during my first year as an assistant director. Moving into leadership has been the single most formative experience of my career. It's also been one of my most difficult professional challenges, and sometimes I still relate all too well to a flailing, flightless bird dropping into icy water. I discovered new strengths, addressed lifelong weaknesses, and learned how meaningful it can be to help my colleagues succeed. But, first, I had to find but how to work with people as a leader instead of as a peer. The six lessons below were learned the hard way, but my colleagues and I surfaced as more effective professionals. Whether you tumble into leadership or jump in headfirst, you'll find yourself doing the same.