Understanding that future leaders are among our colleagues in the system, the customer experience director, branch services director and the training manager created a program to acknowledge and support prospective library leaders. Designing a relevant curriculum that would generate thoughtful inquiry, spark professional growth and develop new skills that can be used at any level was the challenge as well as the opportunity for the program’s designers who also wanted to support talent retention.

Eleven participants were selected through competitive essays. During nine monthly meetings, they heard from nationally recognized speakers as well as a life coach who guided them through managing change, functioning in stressful situations and understanding communication styles. Each participant prepared for meetings by completing a Lynda.com course, viewing a webinar or reading professional articles for group discussion. Their final project was to research and write a white paper on a timely issue and propose solutions.

Since graduating from the Academy, two participants have received promotions within the system, several white paper topics have been referenced as the Leadership Team considers new or changing services and two staff members have now received their MLS degrees. A second Academy is planned for 2018 and will again present dynamic growth opportunities for staff who are eager for in house professional development while on the daily job of serving the public.