Talking about Leadership with Rachel Esson, General Manager, National Library

Strong/strength

A guide

Able to assess risks

Has vision

Empowers others ….

These are the words I got back when I asked my network what ‘Leadership’ meant to them.  All readily apply to Rachel Esson, Te Pouhuaki, National Librarian and General Manager of the National Library.

Photo credit: Mark Beattie, National Library. Licensed CC by 4.0

In our latest video interview I talked to Rachel about what qualities she thinks make a leader, the role of mentoring, developing leadership skills, the importance of trust and the challenges of remote leadership.

Of leadership qualities Rachel says :
“You need the ability to plan for multiple scenarios, to plan for now and the future … to build relationships

Watch here to hear more about Rachels’ journey to leading the National Library and her observations of leadership.

In summary Rachel offers up these words of advice :

The key thing to being in a leadership role is you need to be prepared to be uncomfortable … Because that is how you learn”

Wellington City Libraries has a number of new additions on leadership in both e-book and hard copy formats.

Whether you are already a leader or aspire to be one, you will find something of interest in these recent books.

The art of caring leadership : how leading with heart uplifts teams and organizations / Younger, Heather R.
“If your people know you care about them, they will move mountains. Employee engagement and loyalty expert Heather R. Younger outlines nine ways to manifest the radical power of caring support in the workplace”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

10 leadership virtues for disruptive times : coaching your team through immense change and challenge /Tom Ziglar. / Ziglar, Tom
“Tom Ziglar, CEO of Zig Ziglar Corp, shares ten leadership virtues that are essential for coaching employees through immense change and creating an environment of maximum potential and productivity. With the world changing so rapidly, many leaders are struggling to find new ways to make a significant and positive impact on their team. The key, says Tom Ziglar, is to consistently bring out the best in everyone by focusing on ten core virtues: kindness, humility, respect, persistence, selflessness, encouragement, positive expectations, self-control, firmness, and hope. Delivering cutting-edge new research, wisdom gleaned from experience, and poignant insights from his work at Zig Ziglar Corp, Tom Ziglar identifies the communication styles that will keep everyone on the same page, regardless of their working environment. He also emphasizes the importance of closing the “empathy gap” between management and staff in order to create a more connected team that operates to its fullest potential–and how developing each team member’s unique dreams, goals, and abilities sets up the company for success. In 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times, Ziglar shows why “coach leadership,” instead of management leadership, is the best way to lead through immense change and challenge. It is essential guidance for leaders who want to coach their teams through inevitable periods of disruption with the goal of helping them thrive at home and at work.” –Publisher.” (Catalogue)

Simple truths of leadership : 52 ways to be a servant leader and build trust / Blanchard, Kenneth H
“Leadership legend and bestselling author Ken Blanchard and trust expert and thought leader Randy Conley present this carefully curated collection of fifty-two essential leadership principles that are easy to implement and practice. Effective leadership is an influence process where leaders implement everyday, commonsense approaches that help people and organizations thrive. Yet somehow, many of these fundamental principles are still missing from most workplaces. In Simple Truths of Leadership, legendary servant leadership expert Ken Blanchard, whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide, and his colleague Randy Conley, known and recognized for his many years of thought leadership and expertise in the field of trust, share fifty-two Simple Truths about leadership that will help leaders everywhere make commonsense leadership common practice. Readers will discover profound, memorable, and in some cases counterintuitive leadership wisdom such as * Who should make the first move to extend trust * What role a successful apology plays in building trust * When to use different strokes (leadership styles) for different folks–and for the same folks * Where the most important part of leadership happens * How to create autonomy through boundaries * Why the key to developing people is catching them doing something right A fun, easy read that will make a positive difference in leadership and organizational success, Simple Truths of Leadership will show readers how to incorporate simple but essential practices into their leadership style, build trust through servant leadership, and enhance their own lives and the lives of everyone around them.” (Catalogue)

Balancing act : teach, coach, mentor, inspire / Temte, Andrew
“”Success without balance is often more disastrous than failure with balance.” So begins Dr. Andrew Temte’s collection of candid observations on the challenges facing business leaders today. From top student to high school dropout, from aspiring rock star to successful business leader, Temte shares lessons learned on the importance of balance in all aspects of life and work. Balancing Act explores the characteristics required of a new generation of leaders who must find balance between strength and vulnerability; confidence and selflessness; passion and measure; single mindedness and inclusivity; determination and curiosity; and leadership and followership. He stresses that balance is a journey, not a destination. In Balancing Act, readers will learn: How to identify and curtail organizational entropyHow leaders can facilitate a culture of trustHow to realize the benefits of a diverse organization by fostering a culture that encourages everyone to bring their ‘whole self’ to work. How embarking on a continuous improvement journey can result in more balanced individuals, teams and organizations. We are all seeking opportunity, joy, and purpose; the commitment to “teach, coach, mentor, and inspire,” is a contribution we can all make as we seek balance in our workplace and home life.” (Catalogue)

Within the e-book collection the following are downloadable with a library registration :

Leadership.
“The practical e-guide that gives you all the skills you need to succeed as a leader. Discover how to improve your leadership skills by establishing a vision, inspiring others, and championing high performance. Learn how to focus your energy, build relationships, and develop strategies for success – as well as the best ways to lead in difficult situations, such as through a period of business change. Essential Managers: Leadership gives you a practical “how-to” approach with step-by-step instructions, tips, checklists, and “ask yourself” features showing you how to focus your energy, influence and build strong networks, and make an impact. Whether you want to develop new leadership tools or enhance your existing skills, this is the e-guide for you.” (Catalogue)

Be exceptional : master the five traits that set extraordinary people apart / Navarro, Joe
“Behavior expert and business consultant Joe Navarro reveals the five unequalled qualities that set exceptional individuals and great leaders apart, and how you can use these principles to stand out and distinguish yourself. Including case studies from business and history, compelling stories from Joe’s life and career, and cutting-edge science, this book empowers you to change how you see yourself, influence how others see you, and prepare, should the opportunity arise, to be not just ready to lead, but worthy to lead.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.