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These articles were originally part of May/June 2010's "Perspective's" column, but due to space restrictions could not be included in the print edition. Please take the time to gather some great leadership ideas with this web-only content!

Synergy and Me

What is synergy? Merriam Webster Online Dictionary defines “synergy” as “a mutually advantageous conjunction of compatibility of distinct business participants or elements (as resources or efforts).” The library leadership initiative in Illinois, also called Synergy, strives to do just that. It’s beyond networking; it’s the bringing together of librarians with leadership potential with the simple goal of equipping the group with the necessary tools to become future Illinois library leaders. These individuals are passionate about libraries and their role in society, and are eager to make a difference in their library, their community, and libraries as a whole.     

I’m in my 11th year of working in Illinois public libraries and I’ve held positions from administrative assistant to department manager. My Master’s degree education and most of my time in libraries has focused on children’s librarianship. Currently, I’m the adult fiction librarian at the Bloomington Public Library in Bloomington, IL. I was not aware of Synergy until I came to Bloomington in 2006. My then supervisor, Jane Chamberlain, had participated in Synergy as a mentor. When the call for Synergy applicants came in the fall of 2008, I expressed my interest in participating. Jane’s response was “Go for it! You’re a natural! You’ll be successful.” My biggest concern with applying was that I was “just a librarian”, not a manager or a director and I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to integrate this experience into my current position. Jane reassured me that I’d start to see the connections, and that participants come from varied backgrounds and experience. I applied and was accepted to participate in Synergy 2009.

Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative is a year-long institute that requires unwavering dedication and commitment from each participant. The program is highly competitive, and many apply more than once before being selected. Synergists have face-to-face sessions several times a year to engage in leadership skill building exercises. Subsequent sessions build upon the previous session(s) and for that reason, participants are required to attend each session. Absenteeism is not allowed. In between sessions, participants correspond with one another via phone, email, blogs, etc., soliciting ideas and feedback as they develop strategies and techniques for their particular library environment. The program heightens self-awareness and demands self-assessment. With the guidance of seasoned library professionals as mentors, Synergists take themselves beyond their current library role, and examine and even redefine their purpose in the library profession as a whole. One of the strengths of the program is that participants come from different types of libraries, may have the job title of librarian to library director, and collectively have a generous breadth and depth of experience. To sit among colleagues of this caliber and have the opportunity to observe and learn from each other is incredible.  It’s a learning laboratory that goes well beyond what might be covered in a seminar or conference presentation on the same topic. 

At the end of my Synergy experience in November 2009, I emerged feeling empowered and confident. While many lessons were learned, some stand out personally for me. First, the process of self-awareness and self-assessment is never-ending. Being aware of strengths and weaknesses are only the tip of this iceberg. Effective leaders have a deep-seated desire for continuous learning. As a leader, the best place to start is with yourself. Second, there are distinct differences between being a manager and being a leader. I had not given this much thought before Synergy. Managers are administrators, handing the day-to-day operations. Leaders take that a step further by looking outside their organization for inspiration and innovation and are “big picture” thinkers, keenly aware of the impact their decisions will have on their organization and community.  Thirdly, it is imperative that library leaders recognize the importance of strategically positioning their organization within the community and take action. Developing relationships with members of the city council, local politicians, and other key organization leaders is time well spent and should be done well in advance of calling on them for support. Cultivating these relationships will result in library advocates that are educated about the library’s indispensable and unique role in the community. It’s easier to garner their support when they’re knowledgeable of what you’ve accomplished and what you want to accomplish.

Without a doubt, attending Synergy has changed the way I do daily business. The reality is that leaders exist throughout organizations and across all job levels. Many staff members “bloom where they are planted” and I see this everyday at my library. And, Jane was right! I do see the connections between what I learned as a Synergist and my current position every day. Participating in Synergy gave me a glimpse of the leader I am and the leader I will be in the future. I have a renewed sense of accountability, to myself, my colleagues, our customers, and the community. This experience was not passive in any shape or form. It was very personal, at times exhilarating and exhausting at others, sometimes both at the same time. I had not anticipated the “awkward moments”, moments where I was not comfortable in my own skin. There were moments where I thought “What am I doing here?” and felt consumed with self doubt. At the time, it frustrated me but in hindsight, I understand it was part of my growth process. I feel strongly that each person is responsible for their own learning so I choose to reflect on those moments to explore what made them uncomfortable. I make a conscious effort to learn from them. If knew then what I know now, I’d still choose to participate.