We Leapt into Leadership

What a hugely successful day the ALIA Leap into Leadership workshop and seminar at the State Library of Victoria turned out to be! Sue Hamilton, SLV Director - Communications and Publications, Learning and Public Library Relationships introduced the session and set the tone for the day and was followed by Joanne Duncan, the MLA for Macedon Ranges. Joanne opened proceedings, welcomed delegates and shared some personal stories of leadership. I particularly like some of the anecdotal advice that she has received and retained over the years, such as: "None of us is as smart as all of us"; "Take what you do seriously, but take yourself lightly" and "Feedback is the breakfast of champions". (Imagine if all of us walked that talk)!

The next session was led by Greg Cook, a well-respected consultant from the Centre for Leadership and Management, who has facilitated leadership training at SLV and various Victorian councils and public libraries.We discussed the subject of management v leadership (in summary it was decided that management competencies were the "outer game" of leadership) and then Greg introduced the audience to 6 leadership approaches that could assist in the identification of personal leadership styles.After the morning tea break, we heard personal reflections and experiences of leadership in the workplace from a panel comprising 3 industry leaders, Craig Anderson, Patti Manolis and Janette Wright. My faves from this session were: "Make ethics a guiding principle"; "Provide the vision and then get the hell out of the way" and "Seek to undertand".

After lunch attendees broke into smaller groups to explore leadership themes and workshop issues with a team of facilitators drawn from across the library and information sector.

The day was most enjoyable and I extend my congratulations to the Aurora Leadership Alumni and ALIA Vic for their involvement in the program, along with my gratitude for being able to participate as one of the afternoon's facilitators.

Cheers, Gail.