Teacher Librarian as Leader
Simon Sinek’s TED talk was quite an interesting way of
looking at what makes people buy into a product, person or idea. I admit I felt
a little disappointed in the reality of his message. No matter how good your
product or service is if you cannot sell the ‘why’ of it, you will probably
struggle. I am not an apple person, I don’t believe their products are better
for my needs than any other company, but they do sell the ‘why’ which is why they
have so many followers.
In the context of libraries if we cannot sell our ‘why’ the
vision and purpose of the library and the teacher librarian then we will not be
seen as critical to the future of schools. I think this means we have to openly
communicate, to whoever will listen particularly those in leadership roles, our
purpose not just what we do and how we do it.
I think this is opposite
to how I would want to be seen as a leader. Having to tell someone you are important
does not make you important; I think it should be reflected in your actions
rather than your words. Unfortunately there is not often time for principals
and others to see what you are doing and hard work may go unappreciated. If you
want to be that visible leader you need to head up councils and committees not
just be on them as suggest by Barbara at the start of the module.
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