What color is your . . . um, plate?
by Crystal Sherman Norton
Thursday, April 29, I attended the annual LLOPS Professional Development Workshop: “The Social Librarian: Changing the Landscape of Library Interactions.” I must say that the LLOPS Professional Development Committee did an excellent job at putting the entire workshop together.
Upon checking in with Registration, I was asked to visit a table over in the food and beverage section of the room and select a plate from amongst the many designs, colors and types of plates available. My first thought was that someone had recently been shopping at Value Village, and how “interesting” that was. As this particular activity was asked only of those who would be staying for the afternoon sessions, I was anticipating that we would be eating our lunch from whichever plate we selected. If that had only been the case.
For the Introductory Exercise, workshop participants were asked to introduce themselves and describe to the rest of the group why they had selected their particular plate. I noticed a common theme evolving: the plate in one way or another evoked a positive emotion in the new owner. I heard over and over “It looks like the ones my Grandmother/Mother had,” “The colors make me feel warm,” “It reminds me of the ones I have at home.”
Since we were all so efficient in getting through this exercise, we were rewarded with a nice long break (and more pastries) before settling down into the first session, led by Kevin O’Keefe, CEO of LexBlog. Kevin began with a pleasant journey down memory lane, recalling when fax machines were new (and not necessarily trusted by all), mobile phones came in a box you carted around or left in your car, and the early years of America Online.
Kevin lead with a quote from Zig Ziglar that I think really sums up his talk: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” (That and the title of a book written by Harvey MacKay: “Dig your well before you’re thirsty”). Kevin related some great stories about his personal experiences in building relationships of trust; “listening to people and helping them by sharing” what he knew, through a medium such as Twitter. Two other statements he made stuck with me: “. . . not just business development, but professional development,” and “. . . give away all the good stuff, to get known and followed” (thereby acquiring future paying clients).
Next up was Jason Preston of the Parnassus Group. Jason gave us some tips on weeding out which social media we can safely ignore (ones that are a waste of time) and focusing on those that get us where we want to be. He also gave us a succinct, positive review of our “LLOPSCited” blog (a name he “appreciated for 15 minutes,” which I think means he liked it).
After a great lunch from Herban Feast and a chance to actually sit in the sun (which had recently shown its face on the 19th floor deck), most of us settled down for the afternoon sessions.
Elaine Jennerich, speaking on “Recognition in the Workplace,” started off by recognizing LLOPS member Lori Fossum, who had booked Elaine for the workshop, giving her public kudos as well as positive feedback on the manner in which Lori made the arrangements. Elaine took us through an exercise where we were to add to her list of ways to recognize employees in non-monetary ways.
After another break for treats, Renee Smith Nyberg started off her session on managing change by reading us an imaginary “directive” from AALL, about how “All Things AALL” must use recyclable or otherwise sustainable materials. So, to comply with the directive, she asked us to take the plates to which we had previously formed an attachment (but did not, sadly, get to eat our lunch on), put them in a pillow case, don some protective eye-wear and smash the plates to smithereens with a hammer. I was at that point called away to deal with something needing my attention in the real world, so did not participate in the rest of the session, which I’m sure was a smash.
In keeping with my campaign promise to not write long articles (I hope it’s not too late), I would end here – except that Kristine , bless her heart, would not want me to submit this article without some commentary on the various outfits worn to the workshop. In short, I was impressed. IMHO, Brenna and Kay jointly took the award for most stunning outfit (Brenna’s lovely, brightly-colored and intricately designed top and Kay’s classic fuchsia/raspberry suit). All in all, it was a day well spent.
Themocracy
Thanks for the write-up Crystal. Glad you enjoyed the workshop. Even though I may hold some bias since I was on the committee, I think it was a great workshop and I had take-aways from each session.
I knew I should have worn one of my cute maternity dresses!
Big thanks to the PDW Committee who truly did a fabulous job of putting together a day full of thought-provoking speakers and creative exercises!
Love it–great article! Sounds like it was a great program that I am sad to have missed. Hopefully next time around I can make it!
Fascinating article, Crystal, and excellent summation of the workshop programs. I will try not to duplicate your analysis.
The PDA did an outstanding job delivering our program.
And, thanks for the compliment on my outfit! I wonder what Clinton Kelly ( WHAT NOT TO WEAR on cable TV) would have to say??