NASIG Newsletter

TACTICS SESSION

Climbing Peaks and Navigating Valleys: Managing Personnel from High Altitude

Jeff Slagell, Interim Director of Library Services, Delta State University
Reported by Peter Fletcher 

Jeff Slagell, Director of Library Services at Delta State University, warned managers to expect the unexpected, never underestimate people, and be able to adapt. He continued by emphasizing that in managing people one needs varied abilities and to create a positive environment. In addition, managers should be aware of their management style, of which there are various types.  For example, management styles include: indecisive, no rush to judgment; micromanager; taskmaster, a sense of urgency and deadlines; abrasive, bad temper and a tendency to belittle; political, self-promotion; and participative, sharing. Slagell indicated the importance of knowing your good and bad traits and of being aware of your environment.  He also pointed out that job descriptions must be kept up to date, expectations of employees should be established and that one must set the tone for new employees. Mentoring employees is important, he continued, especially new folks, either formal or informal, via professional development, release time, and so on. A good manager should also establish a flexible policy that will not affect work negatively.  Slagell pointed out that, in his opinion, communication is the single biggest problem seen in libraries, both between administration and departments and between departments. It is important to try to be transparent in management, have meetings to share information, and use email for brief FYI notes.   

In discussing the assessment of employees, he stressed that evaluations can be both formal and informal; performance should be frequently indicated to avoid surprises and there should be a structure that allows feedback. Furthermore, standards must be known, agreed upon, and consistent across departments—the absence of consistency is demoralizing to employees. In continuing, Slagell also emphasized that documentation is important in disciplinary actions: verbal warnings are followed by written warnings—with a witness present—and the written warning must clearly indicate how to improve, must be legally defendable, and consistent with campus/University policy. 

In conclusion, Slagell had several survival techniques he wanted to impart to the audience. He suggested using various survival techniques such as having a sense of humor; do not over extend yourself, be able to say no; do not over-schedule yourself, do not schedule meetings back to back; be honest about your lack of knowledge; be in control of meetings, time limit, agenda; know your strengths and weaknesses; and delegate and get help as necessary. Finally, he could not overestimate the importance of being nice to secretaries.