Author: tomkapostasy

Retired finance and operations executive interested in public policy, especially where data can help to frame the issues.

Effective Leaders

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 Everyone has their own theory or theories of leadership.In my experience, effective leaders …Are authentic expressions of their unique talents and experiences. They are  
 independent and non-conformist. 
 
 Are shaped by their personality profiles.  They leverage their strengths and minimize their non-talents.  They flex styles for short periods, with effort.
 
 
 Are true to themselves, applying constructive approaches to work, home and community.   This natural style leverages their assets.
 
 
 Are internally driven and project a clear commitment to making progress, overcoming 
 challenges, reaching goals and making a difference. 
 
 Are human with strengths and non-talents.  They are effected by biases and paradigms.  
 Self-awareness and self-control are partial. 
 
 Recognize the strength of organizational and cultural inertia in preventing change, 
 alignment and pursuit of lofty objectives. 
 
 Accept the political nature of organizations and the role of self-interest as part of the natural arena for leadership practice.
 
 
 Understand the value creating role of key leaders in organizations, but do not minimize the value of managers and staff.
 
 
 Appreciate the social psychology of organizations and teams.  They demonstrate their 
 passion, commitment and belonging in real and symbolic ways. 
 
 Use an interactive decision-making process to engage contributors, frame 
 decisions, generate options, evaluate solutions and build commitment. 
 
 Are patient, unstructured decision-makers.  Organization level issues, plans and policies 
 require time to define, analyze, choose and embrace. They change perspectives, urge 
 creativity, challenge traditional answers and encourage contrasting paths to answers. 
 
 Value the contributions of professional specialists, but employ a generalist perspective and 
 healthy skepticism. They employ various facilitation tools to work through ambiguous 
 situations. 
 
 Employ a broad array of skills and experiences, as decisions are increasingly complex, 
 including political, ethical, global and environmental dimensions. 
 
 Embrace a modern approach to diversity, deeply understanding the value of diverse 
 perspectives in contributing their piece of the truth to decisions. 

Value of Public Libraries

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The century old consensus regarding the value of public library services is increasingly
questioned.  Rising costs, anti-government sentiments, accountability demands, on-line
materials delivery, an increasingly individualistic and commercial society, and reduced
public funding combine to challenge libraries to clearly define their services, respond to
public demands and justify their very existence!
 
Libraries need to build upon their historical strengths to clearly define the value they
provide, measure ongoing progress and actively promote their value.
 
Libraries deserve public support because they deliver value:
 
1) Economic ROI of 200%+ compared with 10% returns for private capital.
 
2) Near-zero incremental cost personal growth with positive spillover benefits to the
community, leading to an improved quality of life for all citizens.
 
3) Libraries support the effectiveness of our democratic society, building universal
literacy, access to education, information and interaction opportunities.
 
4) Libraries serve as a physical embodiment of the community’s belief in itself.
 
1) Economic Returns
 
Materials can be used 30 times, rather than once.
Materials in all categories achieve targeted usage rates.
Services ensure that all age, socio-economic status and geographical groups benefit. 
Higher cost materials providing value to many patrons.
Lower demand materials are used by many individuals, schools and libraries.
Librarians maintain specialized knowledge of value to patrons.
Materials are professionally selected to be of highest value to patrons.
Short-term demands and long-term portfolio needs are balanced.
Libraries deliver highest demand services, creating a community asset.
 
2) Personal Growth Gains
 
Access to individual paced personal and career growth materials.
Develop a love of reading and learning in all students.
Facilitate an interest in life-long learning in adults.
Access to life-long professional growth.
Opportunities to explore materials of interest.
Opportunities beyond areas of mastery to explore diverse topics and cultures.
Provide adults with introductions, exploration and mastery level experiences beyond
careers, professions and economic progress.
 
3) Civic Benefits
 
Develop general, economic and political literacy.
Materials represent all sides of public policy issues.
Promote the core views of the American public, educating immigrants.
Offer diverse viewpoints, encouraging the general public to consider their views.
Sophisticated access to all materials and viewpoints.
Historical and contrary viewpoints on current issues to ensure full consideration.
Training and experience to evaluate claims from proponents of all views.
Encourage low income/resource individuals to use the library for personal growth.
 
4) Community Benefits
 
Spaces for community meetings.
Promotion of personal and community growth.
Common learning experiences unite diverse elements of society.
Opportunities for volunteers, donors, advisors, respondents and citizens.
Opportunities for intergenerational interaction.
A positive view of the future through progress.
 
Summary
 
Libraries face threats to their public funding.  By adapting programs, delivering value
and informing the public, libraries can continue to fill their vital value added role for
society.