Be a Great Boss: One Year to Success

by Catherine Hakala-Ausperk

Moving into a library management position can feel like a daunting and solitary pursuit. Graduate school courses in management are expensive and often hard to find, and even having a mentor at hand is no guarantee of a successful transition. To help library managers improve their skills and acumen, renowned speaker and trainer Hakala-Ausperk presents a handy self-study guide to the dynamic role of being a boss. Organized in 52 modules, designed to cover a year of weekly sessions but easily adaptable for any pace, this workbook * Covers major management topics such as success with stakeholders, staffing, customer service, planning, funding, leadership, and more
* Offers an inexpensive alternative to seminars and classroom instruction
* Requires an investment of as little as an hour per week, and is completely self-paced
* Includes challenging questions and exercises, and a Web-based template to record learning progress Suitable for all levels of management, from first-line supervisors to library directors, this book lays out a clear path to learning the essentials of being a great boss.

Genres: Nonfiction, Management, Librarianship, Professional Development, Adult, Business

232 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2010

Reviews

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. Not a bad book by any means, and the layout and format is good for doing a 'chapter' a week through the course of a year. For me some chapters were very useful, some not so much (hence the rating). You may find you are familiar with the material, you may find it a goldmine of things to learn. Even the things I'd already "learned" were a decent refresher. Just be advised that the 1-hour a week you are supposed to devote to each section may take a lot more than an hour to actually do if you want to what is asked.

Worth looking at -- I think so. But I didn't love it so 3.25 stars.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The structure of this book (read one chapter each week for a year) contributes to retention of the ideas expressed, as do the worksheets. The reader enters a contract to spend one hour each week reading and reflecting with the help of provided worksheets. The worksheets help turn theory into practice. Most examples reflect public library experience, but as an academic librarian, I found much of value, as the management of people is universal.

[Cathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful for group discussion and development, as was introduced to me. Short, focused chapters are effective for nibbling and then allowing to breathe. However, many of the suggested application questions seem more designed for those at director level, though of course value can be extrapolated. Of more concern is that though there are insights that stand the test of time, at least half lands as dated and out of step with current practices, experience, and resources.

[Roxana Rathbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I am not a boss yet, I feel this book has given me the skills I need to become a better leader not only in the workforce but in other areas of my live as well.

[Meagan Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational.

I will reference this workbook often in the future!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't all relevant, but it was a good read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book for library directors, managers, and those aspiring to lead. In short chapters and worksheets, this is a comprehensive guide to leading in the library. It is geared towards those already working in a library, but I would recommend it to library students. This book has more value than the library administration text I read for my master's coursework. I've been reading one chapter a day and I am immediately going to re-read it again. That's how valuable I think this book is.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book and workbook to help all leaders, but specifically library bosses. Loved the workbook approach, and the information culled from a variety of sources (including From Good to Great). The worksheets make you apply practical steps to sometimes abstract ideas. Would definitely use/read/do another workbook by the author.

[Shandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Catherine Hakala-Ausperk was the Deputy Director of the Library that I work for, and a very inspiring person. I'm not being bias, this is an excellent book / workbook for those entering the Public Library System. Its great to know that encouraging your staff to do their best, brings out the best of the organization.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very excellent tips and worksheets in this book. As I'm currently not a boss, I can't put any of this information into practice just yet - but I will be sure to in the future. However, there are some great motivational tips in this book for non-bosses, as well as some good "Read-alikes" and "For more Information.." resources.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewing for July/August issue of Information Today. A good resource for administrators at public libraries, mostly.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical tips and exercises to help you get better at something that comes naturally for very few.

[Katrina V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book and overview of managing in a library -- very helpful information!

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a terrific book! All about how to be a great library Director. Lots of worksheet pages asking questions that are good for if you have the job or if you are preparing for an interview.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay. Not much I didn't already know.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again ... much I knew, some I didn't. I liked it enough that I bought a copy for the library!