Pennsylvania Library Association's Directors' Institute

I get to spend the next few days at an LSTA funded program for library directors learning about my leadership strengths and how to develop them to use at work. I am a strong believer in continuing education and that can be seen by my two graduate degrees, additional online courses and the leadership programs I’ve attended. What I like most about continuing education is that when it’s in the library world, I don’t have to explain myself – all of these colleagues have either experienced what I’m going through or know someone who has and it’s a refreshing place to be.

Before this particular institute, we were required to read Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams and Why People Follow Them by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. At the end of the book, you take an online test to discover your five strengths. Mine (which are no surprise to myself) are Discipline, Consistency, Harmony, Learner and Input. The book and report from the online test then teaches you about how to use your strengths in the best way. I’m excited to learn more about this information over the next few days and networking with other directors.