 |
|
|
 |
Working Knowledge
A Monthly Column about Life on the Job |
 |
|
|
By Mary Pergander
American Libraries Columnist
Mary Pergander is director of the Deerfield (Ill.) Public Library. Send comments or questions to working@ala.org.
Column for December 2006 |
What Are You Waiting For?
Is this you? You used to love presenting storytime, or perhaps bibliographic instruction, but you no longer carry out the duty because of a change in circumstance or leadership. But now that time has passed, your library once again needs someone to perform this task. You:
- wait for your boss to ask if you will do it—after all, if he wants you to, he will ask;
- approach your manager and offer to do it, because you have the skill and the desire. Which action is the one you would be most likely to take?
A few columns ago, we explored “making the ask” as it related to salaries (AL, Sept., p. 75). As you surely have surmised, the asking refers to more than just money. Managers and coworkers are not mind readers, and what seems obvious to you is not necessarily obvious to them. Make your intentions clear.
I once was very interested in outreach. I began adding outreach activities to my regular duties, and suggested ways to expand these undertakings into a position. Eventually my employer created such a role. I was working very hard to prove I could do the job, but someone else actually applied for and got it! I was hurt and surprised, and spoke to my supervisor. She said she had wondered why I had never asked for the job, in spite of all my efforts to help create the position and demonstrate my ability to fill the role. I was stunned, but I really learned my lesson.
Do you operate as though an all-seeing, all-knowing, and benevolent manager is wise enough to know what is best for the organization and all its employees? I have not yet found such a person, even among those with the very best intentions.
As in the film The Poseidon Adventure, two philosophies are in play: Use the tools at hand to do your best to save yourself, or wait patiently for a rescue. Each can have its place in our lives. The workplace, however, is comprised of human beings who have not yet perfected the art of telepathy. So, if you have an interest in something, make your interest known. Repeat this as necessary. Make it possible for others in the organization to know that you may be the answer they are seeking. This can be a win-win for all involved.
If this seems too self-serving to you, consider this: Have you ever asked someone what she wants for her birthday, or other gift-giving holiday? Did you appreciate getting the response, in order to tailor your plans? Didn’t you feel pleased afterward, when she thanked you for your thoughtfulness? Now flip that around. Sharing your job or career desires, talents, and plans is like giving your supervisor your wish list. Quite possibly, it will fill a need he has as well.
Here is another angle: On the surface, the attitude “I will do whatever they ask of me” seems noble and helpful. At the same time, in its passivity, that line of thinking denies the library the possibilities inherent in “I will let them know what I can offer, and how I might be of help. ”
So dare to share. Accept an active role in your own life and organization. You may find that both you and your library benefit.
WORKING WISDOM
Are you waiting for an invitation to use your talents, to do work that appeals to you, or to develop new skills? Take the initiative! Have a conversation with your supervisor or manager, and let that person know about your interest. You may be providing the answer he or she is seeking.
Maybe you feel quite differently. If so, let me hear from you. I am interested in presenting any opposing views in a future column, so speak up! You can reach me at working@ala.org.
(c) Copyright 2006 American Library Association
|
|
|
