Leadership At Work
Gaining trust and building influence at work is important for you and the success of your library team. You will manage conflict better and be respected when hard decisions come down. You are more likely to be heard and acknowledged when you’ve established a solid reputation with your leadership from results based on honesty and integrity. Gaining influence is a skill and it takes experience. Continue reading to set the foundation for being an effective leader and influencer in your library system.
Start by Building Trust
Trust is a critical component of influence within your team and library. When trust is the standard in the work culture, employees will listen and respect you and your decisions. The support must come from the top. Staff will know that changes or tasks are necessary without pushing back when trust exists and when trust is the organizational standard. You cultivate confidence within your team by having open and honest conversations with your co-workers and leaders. Asking questions of your team and walking the library floor are good ways to connect. Honest and open communication is the cornerstone for a healthy work environment and library.
Be Consistent
You will build influence when you are consistent and follow through. Employees want their leaders to be predictable and complete tasks. You should be consistent with staff meetings, team feedback, and act upon the feedback provided. You should also be consistent in what you expect from others at work. This builds trust within the team, which helps build your reputation as a strong leader. Consistency in communication displays your work ethic, integrity, and the value of the library’s organization. It also shows a commitment to your team and their personal and professional goals.
Be Flexible
It is important to be flexible on so many levels as an effective leader. During the day with regular tasks priorities will change, even major projects will morph into something different. Things happen, and you need to be able to switch directions, when necessary, in a positive manner. Listening to constructive feedback from your supervisor or following recommendations from other departments, is vital to collaboration and building flexibility. When you are flexible and solution-oriented, it builds your leadership skills and influence within the organization.
Be a Good Listener
Finally, it’s important to listen to employees, your supervisor, and library mentors. Consider your community partners and their goals, your organization’s initiatives and the new ideas created from listening. When you are presented with the facts in a truthful manner, anything can be accomplished with listening and feedback. This makes people feel not only valued but respected. Encourage people to speak their minds and take the time to make sure they feel heard. This creates an environment of solid trust and respect that is mutually beneficial and leads to improved teamwork and service. Originally posted November 12, 2021 on my website: kathyhussertempe.com
