Professional Development for Delaware Library Staff: Personal/Interpersonal Skills

In most situations in life, your effectiveness is enhanced by clear communication, strong relationships, ethical behavior and the flexibility to be a leader, team player and lifelong learner. Library staff:

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with others to achieve common goals.

• Work effectively in teams with strong team-building skills and attitudes.

• Apply effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult
  coworker behaviors.

Personal/Interpersonal Skills ranked #24 out of 51 self-identified urgent training needs.  It ranked #33 out of 60 topics staff would like training in.  26% (25) of respondents indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 40% (38) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 34% (32) would like training at the Advanced level.

Personal/Interpersonal Skills is identified as a CORE skill for Sussex County libraries.

• As part of Personal/Interpersonal Skills, 92 respondents indicated they would like training in Collaboration.  28% (26) indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 37% (34) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 35% (32) would like training at the Advanced level.  

Safety - Provide a safe environment for staff and public, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and physical well-being.

Courtesy - Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Efficiency - Provide accurate and timely service with the best use of tangible and intangible resources.

Katie McDonough

Subject areas covered:

• Coping skills (stress, anger, & anxiety) Self-regulation technique "McCullough S.T.A.F.F."
• Science/Benefits of healthy nutrition & physical fitness
• Mindfulness skills (mental focusing & mindful deep breathing)
• Emotional & social intelligence
• (Science of mind body connection)
• Growth vs. fixed mindset
• Internet safety & proper social media behavior
• Fitness center & create your own "gymless" workout