In attendance: Tula, Drew, Maggie, Djuina, Shirley, Virginia, Cedric, Melissa, LeRoy, and Nathan (Host).
VIDEO/BOOK DISCUSSION:
Nathan started the meeting with an interesting episode from the Twilight Zone, called "Five Characters in Search of an Exit". At the end of the video the group discussed how it related to what we deal with at work. Drew said, "The video went well with the book". LeRoy said, "The clown is conditioned to stay in the box". Nathan added that sometimes it takes a new staff member or manager to bring in a new perspective or ideas. Also, realize that until someone else comes in, it may not have been possible to try something new or different.
Remember that the buy-in is crucial; and if they failed one time or have trust issues then they may not try again. Don't be afraid if they fail. Also remember, sometimes the buy-in works best when the people notice the boss actually achieving the goal or excited about the goal.
Djuina said, "yes some things need to be the same/consistent, like policies and procedures; but, other things can be unique as a location. What works at one branch doesn't work at others.
Watch your wording/expressions to help with the buy-in. Djuina added at the end "It's your actions/body language that they're watching".
ICE BREAKER:
Nathan gave each of a "weird" job with our own unique personalities. We had to interview for that position with our personalities. Each of these jobs are actually listed in the world. For example: Drew had deodorant tester; Tula had face feeler; and Djuina had line stander. Odd jobs but someone has to do them.
NOTES FROM DJUINA:
Collier will have a soft opening on March 27th. Their GRAND opening will be April 22nd on Earth Day.
Blue Ridge will have their grand opening on May 13th. No soft opening for them.
Johnson will start their tagging on the 19th of March, so they are still needing help with discarding. Djuina is going to bring gloves and masks, due to the mold and dust.
Next meeting will be @ SMITH on April 5th. Shirley will email everyone the title of the book to read, ASAP.
The May book reading will "Don't Need a Title to be a Leader", which will be hosted by Virginia @ FLORES.
The list for TLA and ALA approved attendees has not been announced.
Ask your asst. manager about training needs, find out what they want/need.
Email Djuina with the names of people who would be interested in sitting on interview panels.
Scenic Woods closes Monday.
Let Djuina know if there is anything that your group/location needs/wants, she will see what she can get for you before the end of the fiscal year.
Also, for those going to the Houston Rodeo, there is FREE parking for city employee (must show badge), at 8000 N. Stadium.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Manager's Meeting @ BLU 02/1/2017
In Attendance: Djuina, Tula, Cedric, Shirley, Drew, Maggie, LeRoy, Nathan, and Melissa.
The meeting began with a tour of Blue-Ridge, which is still being arranged by the staff members. The WIC center has yet to begin their "move-in".
There was a group discussion about the YS meetings; and the need for more idea share, and the need to work out a rotation with staff to attend the monthly meetings.
TEAM BUILDING:
Each member looked to the person on their left and gave them a compliment.
BOOK DISCUSSION:
The group talked about Ubuntu.
One person stated that to achieve our goal we have to work as a team. Another stated that we need to look for the humanity in people; and we cannot judge a book by it's cover. We are managers for a reason; but show people that YOU can trust THEM to do the job.
There may be times you have to micromanage a staff member but set deadlines to ween the staff member off of micromanaging; don't continuously do it.
NOTES FROM DJUINA:
Talk with your staff about switching Saturdays, openly at meetings. Make sure that whoever is the highest ranking staff member on that Saturday, that they can handle being in charge.
Let your staff know that "taking a short lunch" should be asked for, when it comes to making up time during the week. Continue to check kronos throughout the day.
The next meeting will be at STANAKER on March 8th. The book to read is "Five Dysfunctions of a Team".
Don't forget to count those impromptu trainings with customers as a program.
Collier may be open by Valentine's Day; while Blue Ridge is set to open in March.
Think about if you want to keep the meeting locations rotating or keep them all at central.
Don't forget about the Staff Appreciation Funds or the Summer Food Training at Denver Harbor.
Please remember to email Djuina a memo report about your conversation with your asst. manager.
The meeting began with a tour of Blue-Ridge, which is still being arranged by the staff members. The WIC center has yet to begin their "move-in".
There was a group discussion about the YS meetings; and the need for more idea share, and the need to work out a rotation with staff to attend the monthly meetings.
TEAM BUILDING:
Each member looked to the person on their left and gave them a compliment.
BOOK DISCUSSION:
The group talked about Ubuntu.
One person stated that to achieve our goal we have to work as a team. Another stated that we need to look for the humanity in people; and we cannot judge a book by it's cover. We are managers for a reason; but show people that YOU can trust THEM to do the job.
There may be times you have to micromanage a staff member but set deadlines to ween the staff member off of micromanaging; don't continuously do it.
NOTES FROM DJUINA:
Talk with your staff about switching Saturdays, openly at meetings. Make sure that whoever is the highest ranking staff member on that Saturday, that they can handle being in charge.
Let your staff know that "taking a short lunch" should be asked for, when it comes to making up time during the week. Continue to check kronos throughout the day.
The next meeting will be at STANAKER on March 8th. The book to read is "Five Dysfunctions of a Team".
Don't forget to count those impromptu trainings with customers as a program.
Collier may be open by Valentine's Day; while Blue Ridge is set to open in March.
Think about if you want to keep the meeting locations rotating or keep them all at central.
Don't forget about the Staff Appreciation Funds or the Summer Food Training at Denver Harbor.
Please remember to email Djuina a memo report about your conversation with your asst. manager.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Manager's Meeting @ PAR 01/11/17
In Attendance: Djuina, Melissa, Maggie, Dena (Host), Virginia, Shirley, Cedric, LeRoy, Nathan and Tula.
... Since I (Tula), was late to the meeting, I am starting from where I entered.
The group played a card game that helped each person think about how they related the card topic at work or just within themselves personally.
ARTICLE DISCUSSION:
Afterwards, we discussed the article about the homeless and libraries. This article was written a few months prior in the Houston Chronicle about HPL. The group talked about the homeless training and how, yes it had a few good points and staff overall seemed to enjoy it. Virginia added that in some cases, the teacher in the video made suggestions that does not always work and that his background in dealing with homeless customers is not from a librarians standpoint. While the teacher said that at no point should police be called, we as librarians feel that, yes, sometimes they do need to be called. If you have not completed the video, it is due February 6th. Djuina said that you may stop and start it throughout the lessons and don't have to complete it in one sitting. Keep that in mind when trying to find training time for you and your staff.
EMAILS TO SEND:
Djuina asked us all to send her a FREE WRITE RANT about the LMS issues we have been having. Don't forget to add it to monthly reports if necessary.
Send Djuina your monthly meeting invitations for the year. If you already done so, no other email is necessary. Also, don't forget to send Liz, Laurie and Leah an email about your meeting dates for the year as well.
When you have a meeting with your asst. managers, which should be done on a monthly basis, please send an email to Djuina giving her a synopsis of the meeting.
Don't forget your personal monthly due by the 15th of each month. This is a time for you to write about your Accomplishments, Challenges and Ideas and/or Goals. This narrative is only between you and Djuina, no one else reads this. Feel free to write how you are really feeling from the past month.
NEWS AND UPDATES:
Drew Alvey is going to be the manager of Blue-Ridge and will soon be in our grouping. Blue-Ridge is expected to reopen during mid-March.
If you ever have to fill out an indefinite suspension, notify the police (non-emergency) to let them know, you are giving someone an indefinite suspension.
If you have a staff member that has an accident (trip or fall); not only does the WC accident packet need to be completed, but drug testing must be done within 24hrs. One manger asked, "What about on Saturdays?" There are after-hour locations who do drug testing for the city.
The Asst. Manager's meeting will be changed from January to February, but will place two meetings in back-to-back months.
NEXT MEETING:
Will be on February 1st and hosted at Blue-Ridge, pending the delivery of the furniture. Until then, start reading up on your next book assignment "Ubuntu".
Djuina will let us know if anything changes.
... Since I (Tula), was late to the meeting, I am starting from where I entered.
The group played a card game that helped each person think about how they related the card topic at work or just within themselves personally.
ARTICLE DISCUSSION:
Afterwards, we discussed the article about the homeless and libraries. This article was written a few months prior in the Houston Chronicle about HPL. The group talked about the homeless training and how, yes it had a few good points and staff overall seemed to enjoy it. Virginia added that in some cases, the teacher in the video made suggestions that does not always work and that his background in dealing with homeless customers is not from a librarians standpoint. While the teacher said that at no point should police be called, we as librarians feel that, yes, sometimes they do need to be called. If you have not completed the video, it is due February 6th. Djuina said that you may stop and start it throughout the lessons and don't have to complete it in one sitting. Keep that in mind when trying to find training time for you and your staff.
EMAILS TO SEND:
Djuina asked us all to send her a FREE WRITE RANT about the LMS issues we have been having. Don't forget to add it to monthly reports if necessary.
Send Djuina your monthly meeting invitations for the year. If you already done so, no other email is necessary. Also, don't forget to send Liz, Laurie and Leah an email about your meeting dates for the year as well.
When you have a meeting with your asst. managers, which should be done on a monthly basis, please send an email to Djuina giving her a synopsis of the meeting.
Don't forget your personal monthly due by the 15th of each month. This is a time for you to write about your Accomplishments, Challenges and Ideas and/or Goals. This narrative is only between you and Djuina, no one else reads this. Feel free to write how you are really feeling from the past month.
NEWS AND UPDATES:
Drew Alvey is going to be the manager of Blue-Ridge and will soon be in our grouping. Blue-Ridge is expected to reopen during mid-March.
If you ever have to fill out an indefinite suspension, notify the police (non-emergency) to let them know, you are giving someone an indefinite suspension.
If you have a staff member that has an accident (trip or fall); not only does the WC accident packet need to be completed, but drug testing must be done within 24hrs. One manger asked, "What about on Saturdays?" There are after-hour locations who do drug testing for the city.
The Asst. Manager's meeting will be changed from January to February, but will place two meetings in back-to-back months.
NEXT MEETING:
Will be on February 1st and hosted at Blue-Ridge, pending the delivery of the furniture. Until then, start reading up on your next book assignment "Ubuntu".
Djuina will let us know if anything changes.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Manager's Meeting @ MCH 12/5/16
In attendance: Pedro, Nathan, Shirley (Host), Maggie, LeRoy, Dena, Melissa, and Tula.
We started off the meeting with a tour of Melcher. Shirley has used what little space the branch offers and created privacy in her little area. She is still seeking out help to keep the shelves from overflowing with too much unneeded materials.
ARTICLE DISCUSSION:
The article was about staff and how to cope with those of different natures. Shirley stated that with her move over to Smith as their location manager, she has had to sit down in a large staff meeting and set her expectations in front of all them.
Melissa says she tries to channel the interests of the loners and introverts of her staff; she lets them go with what they like doing.
Nathan says there are different work ethics between people.
Pedro added, "listen to people", document and promote them when necessary. Let people try things out for themselves. Build up trust; Shirley added, "trust goes both ways".
OPEN DISCUSSION:
We talked about the VRR and what it means. Pedro stated that if the program has the name "storytime" in the title, then the VRR format needs to be followed. Be on the lookout for new program additions to the YS approved list.
We also talked about the new application process being done online, or least going to be soon. We talked about "how" the address would be verified and if it actually started up on the HPL website for renewal.
TEAM BUILDING:
We split up into 2 teams threw toilet paper rolls into a delivery bin. The first team to work together to get all their rolls into the bin; won!
Next meeting will @ Park Place on January 11th, 2017!!!! We changed it to the second Saturday of the month due to the NY's holiday.
We started off the meeting with a tour of Melcher. Shirley has used what little space the branch offers and created privacy in her little area. She is still seeking out help to keep the shelves from overflowing with too much unneeded materials.
ARTICLE DISCUSSION:
The article was about staff and how to cope with those of different natures. Shirley stated that with her move over to Smith as their location manager, she has had to sit down in a large staff meeting and set her expectations in front of all them.
Melissa says she tries to channel the interests of the loners and introverts of her staff; she lets them go with what they like doing.
Nathan says there are different work ethics between people.
Pedro added, "listen to people", document and promote them when necessary. Let people try things out for themselves. Build up trust; Shirley added, "trust goes both ways".
OPEN DISCUSSION:
We talked about the VRR and what it means. Pedro stated that if the program has the name "storytime" in the title, then the VRR format needs to be followed. Be on the lookout for new program additions to the YS approved list.
We also talked about the new application process being done online, or least going to be soon. We talked about "how" the address would be verified and if it actually started up on the HPL website for renewal.
TEAM BUILDING:
We split up into 2 teams threw toilet paper rolls into a delivery bin. The first team to work together to get all their rolls into the bin; won!
Next meeting will @ Park Place on January 11th, 2017!!!! We changed it to the second Saturday of the month due to the NY's holiday.
Manager's Meeting @ YOU 11/02/16
In attendance: Djuina, Shirley, Kitty, Tula, Cedric, LeRoy, Dena, Maggie, Nathan, and Virginia.
The meeting started out with a tour of the new Young Library. The building will house close to 50 computers, not including laptops. It will house a large meeting room, conference room, study rooms, and training/computer lab.
Top news: Kitty and Norola are leaving Smith, for Kendall and Central, respectively. Kitty will officially be moved to Kendall by Dec. 2nd. If anyone can help out with the storytime/crafttime at Smith, let Djuina know.
Virginia mentioned the trouble with outreaches and the community engagement. It has to do with double bookings; both a library location and the c.e. show up for outreach to sign up cards and it could have been avoided. It also would help with staff scheduling if they knew c.e. was going to be there in advance, that way they would not have to juggle staff around.**Djuina suggests having a link on a site that has a outreach request sheet; 48 hour or more notice would be needed.
Tula and Tega have readdressed the manager's blog to now include the asst. managers of the southeast. If you want to have posting capabilities to the blog, give Tula your gmail address so she can add you to the permissions.
ARTICLE DISCUSSION:
Manager vs. Leader
We talked about the type of leader we felt we were or not.
Kitty stated she was a manager with spikes of leadership.
Dena says "I wanna be a leader buy I'm afraid people may think I am telling them how to live their lives."
BRANCH ACTIVITIES:
Viriginia - had a fall fest. It was awesome and exciting. 70 to 80 people attended. Also having a little free library that coming Saturday and having an outreach. They are currently short by 1 pt CSC.
Dena - had a halloween bash and kids trick or treated in the library. Santa is coming in December. Open house with hot chocolate. Trying to start a Spanish Computer class.
Maggie - started a crochet class with six people. Visited two of the schools and doing a bilingual presentation about the learning link. Events for Christmas. Been weeding because of tagging and Sally has sending the dead list.
Kitty - outreaches. Norola did a nice halloween craft storytime. Food time was discovered to end at 5:15. Got 45 boxes of booksale items.
Nathan - Halloween deal on monday. Outreach last saturday with petting zoo, karate, cheerleaders, etc. Planning staff party for the holidays and having santa.
Shirley - CMC was successful over $200 was made. Implemented a bilingual computer class; only problem is, they have people but no table. Robert has been doing movie time. Patron complained about the traffic when library is closed; people are surrounding the library building for the free Wi-Fi.
The next meeting will be on Monday December, 5th @ Melcher!
The meeting started out with a tour of the new Young Library. The building will house close to 50 computers, not including laptops. It will house a large meeting room, conference room, study rooms, and training/computer lab.
Top news: Kitty and Norola are leaving Smith, for Kendall and Central, respectively. Kitty will officially be moved to Kendall by Dec. 2nd. If anyone can help out with the storytime/crafttime at Smith, let Djuina know.
Virginia mentioned the trouble with outreaches and the community engagement. It has to do with double bookings; both a library location and the c.e. show up for outreach to sign up cards and it could have been avoided. It also would help with staff scheduling if they knew c.e. was going to be there in advance, that way they would not have to juggle staff around.**Djuina suggests having a link on a site that has a outreach request sheet; 48 hour or more notice would be needed.
Tula and Tega have readdressed the manager's blog to now include the asst. managers of the southeast. If you want to have posting capabilities to the blog, give Tula your gmail address so she can add you to the permissions.
ARTICLE DISCUSSION:
Manager vs. Leader
We talked about the type of leader we felt we were or not.
Kitty stated she was a manager with spikes of leadership.
Dena says "I wanna be a leader buy I'm afraid people may think I am telling them how to live their lives."
BRANCH ACTIVITIES:
Viriginia - had a fall fest. It was awesome and exciting. 70 to 80 people attended. Also having a little free library that coming Saturday and having an outreach. They are currently short by 1 pt CSC.
Dena - had a halloween bash and kids trick or treated in the library. Santa is coming in December. Open house with hot chocolate. Trying to start a Spanish Computer class.
Maggie - started a crochet class with six people. Visited two of the schools and doing a bilingual presentation about the learning link. Events for Christmas. Been weeding because of tagging and Sally has sending the dead list.
Kitty - outreaches. Norola did a nice halloween craft storytime. Food time was discovered to end at 5:15. Got 45 boxes of booksale items.
Nathan - Halloween deal on monday. Outreach last saturday with petting zoo, karate, cheerleaders, etc. Planning staff party for the holidays and having santa.
Shirley - CMC was successful over $200 was made. Implemented a bilingual computer class; only problem is, they have people but no table. Robert has been doing movie time. Patron complained about the traffic when library is closed; people are surrounding the library building for the free Wi-Fi.
The next meeting will be on Monday December, 5th @ Melcher!
Manager's Meeting @ MNT 10/05/16
In Attendance: Djuina, Nathan, Maggie, LeRoy, Dena, Melissa (Host), Kitty, and Tula.
We started off with a tour of Montrose, which for those of us who are not familiar with its history, was a former church. Afterwards, we came back to the meeting room for a rousing game of LIBRO! Melissa and her A.M. came up with fun questions for us to collect spots for.
The topic for the meeting was Adult Programming.
*Montrose offers a book club and are looking to start a citizenship class in the future.
*Looscan started a yoga/zumba class. It is great to offer if you can use the DVDs. Otherwise, if your staff or an outside teacher needs to be certified.
*Stanaker started an storytime for adults. Nathan says they set out popcorn and drinks for their movie; the numbers are up and down. Kitty asked about the passive coloring; kids went crazy for the words search and mazes.
*Park Place previously had a retired Col. who offered free meditation, which was successful. People of all ages seemed to enjoy it.
*Johnson- staff go to the senior home (Magnolia) to let them know what is happening at the library each month. They have had a safety talk held by HPD for the women in the area.
*Flores is doing a lego mania. Family movie time is popular.
*Smith has to close the ASMP up at 4:30 on Fridays to clean-up. Only trouble they have is with showing the movies vs. ages. They are setting the televisions back to back to keep the kids and teens on either side.
Maggie is looking for Christmas cards and Children's books for December.
Next meeting will be at the NEW Young on November 2nd.
We started off with a tour of Montrose, which for those of us who are not familiar with its history, was a former church. Afterwards, we came back to the meeting room for a rousing game of LIBRO! Melissa and her A.M. came up with fun questions for us to collect spots for.
The topic for the meeting was Adult Programming.
*Montrose offers a book club and are looking to start a citizenship class in the future.
*Looscan started a yoga/zumba class. It is great to offer if you can use the DVDs. Otherwise, if your staff or an outside teacher needs to be certified.
*Stanaker started an storytime for adults. Nathan says they set out popcorn and drinks for their movie; the numbers are up and down. Kitty asked about the passive coloring; kids went crazy for the words search and mazes.
*Park Place previously had a retired Col. who offered free meditation, which was successful. People of all ages seemed to enjoy it.
*Johnson- staff go to the senior home (Magnolia) to let them know what is happening at the library each month. They have had a safety talk held by HPD for the women in the area.
*Flores is doing a lego mania. Family movie time is popular.
*Smith has to close the ASMP up at 4:30 on Fridays to clean-up. Only trouble they have is with showing the movies vs. ages. They are setting the televisions back to back to keep the kids and teens on either side.
Maggie is looking for Christmas cards and Children's books for December.
Next meeting will be at the NEW Young on November 2nd.
Manager's Meeting @ JOH 09/07/16
In attendance: Djuina, LeRoy (Host), Dena, Maggie, Nathan,
Shirley, Virginia, and Kitty
LeRoy led the group in a very interesting ice-breaker game
utilizing coins. The object of the game was for each person look at the year on
the coin and tell the group what they were the doing during that year. Years
ranged from the late 70s to current year.
After the game, LeRoy then opened up the floor for article
discussion. The group talked about the importance of libraries in the community
both Houston and in general. It was stated that we provide things for our
communities, such as technology and the internet, which a lot of people may not
have access to at home or anywhere else. Nathan mentioned a story about a young
boy who saved his sister’s life with CPR that he learned at a free class hosted
at his local library. Kitty mentioned how libraries are a way for people to
“try out” a book or item first, prior to purchase. This discussion led Djuina
to ask us to start thinking about resources that would be helpful to have on
hand for both Veterans and the Homeless.
For the Team Building exercise, Leroy had brought up a
situation that has happened in the past, at other various locations; and asked
us to talk about how we would handle the situation. The situation suggested was
the reservation issues. What would you do if two customers had been double booked
for the same computer, especially when the computer will only let one of them
sign on? Suggestions that came up were: Offering the customer a laptop in place
of a computer. You can point out that it gives them 2 hours instead of 1 and
they can sit anywhere in the library, if they want. Another suggestion was to
find out if they could get their work completed in 15 minutes or less and offer
them the Express Computer. Call IT… make sure the issue is logged; for a paper
trail, email IT directly and CC Djuina.
Another situation was when you as a manager are trying to
get your staff to think of other solutions to problems or issues. Shirley
suggested that is important to let staff know at your meetings that sometimes
the judgement call is necessary for the moment. LeRoy suggested that talking
with the staff member (if it is just one), and reminding them to think about
the big picture. Djuina stated the importance of defending their own decisions.
Djuina wanted to talk about desk schedules; it is great if
you choose to do your own scheduling for your location(s). Consider delegating
this task unless you don’t have someone else you can trust with it. If you
already delegate it or choose to do so later on, be sure to communicate with
the scheduler.
Also, as a reminder, it is okay to tell people no, for
time-off requests. Think about what amount is needed for you branch before
approving and plan for a possible “out sick” moment. If you are shorthanded,
call around to your sister libraries and ask if they can spare someone before
calling Djuina.
Meet with your assistant manager at least once a month;
allow them to drive the meeting partially.
Djuina wanted to let everyone know that if we get an email
about comments/complaints and it was requested to contact the customer, please
do so same day.
Not mentioned at the meeting: The next meeting will take place at Montrose on October 5.
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