What if today was actually your first day? No, not your first day back, your first day at your current position. Sometimes the things we “know” get in the way of seeing things as they are. So, I’m going to ask you to do a little exercise with me.

Pretend you are just starting as the librarian in your library.

No matter how many years you’ve been at your job, taking as fresh look at your library will allow you to see new ways to proceed. Tomorrow, pause before entering the library. As you go through the doors, look at it as if you were seeing it for the first time. Then ask yourself: What do you like about it? What needs changing or updating? What draws you in or makes you curious? What catches your eye first? Is that what you want others to notice? What might be missing? What are you looking for that you don’t see? Next, think about the role of your library? If you were new on the job, what would you do to make the library stand out?

In Leader First Impressions, Bill Whipple, speaking to someone in the business world who has just begun a new job, has seven suggestions we can also use in our practice:

1. Learn about the culture – Culture controls much that occurs in a school or district. How is education in general and the library in particular viewed in your district? How is discipline handled? Have there been changes? New principals and superintendents can alter the culture. Certainly, the political situation has done so as well. What does this mean for the library? Consider whether you need to frame your requests differently. Is there something you can/need to do to put your library in a better position?
2. Establish rapport one on one – Take stock of your relationships throughout the school. No, you wouldn’t have these if you were just starting, so think honestly about whether they are where you want them to be. If not – how can you change or strengthen this? Showing interest is always the first step. Start with your principal or supervisor. Ask about their holiday, and actively listen to their answer. Next, check in with your colleagues with whom you already have good relationships. The contact will strengthen them. Then think about if there is someone new or relatively new on the staff. Make a point of getting to know them better. Create connection. Then you are in a position for the next step.
3. Build trust as early as possible – Trust is the foundation of relationships. Build on your interest in others by following up based on what you learned. This may mean supplying teachers with a resource that connects to something they are working on or sending them an article relating to one of their interests. You can do this with your principal as well and consider creating a plan to keep them updated on the library’s programs so they can show their superiors. Be aware of what you learn as your connections deepen. Note things that are creating stress. When you do this, you will also find they have an interest in what’s happening for you. By doing this you will have the advocates you may need in times ahead.
4. Avoid pushing ideas from a former job – In this particular situation, this would mean not assuming that a project that worked with one teacher will do the same for another. Teacher styles are different. Start with where they are and work from there. With principals the same goes. Don’t assume that what worked with previous administrators (from this district or others) will be welcome. This connects to the last two – build on what you know about this administrator in this position, then show how your work and goals supports theirs.
5. Observe the informal organization and cliques – Don’t miss the opportunity to see teacher interactions with each other. Yes, this means taking lunch outside of the library. Have there been new friendships? If it’s across subject or grade level, it may be an opportunity to do a multi-discipline project. The teachers would enjoy working with each other. Stay aware of and do your best to identify the underlying power structure? It’s not just someone’s title. Sometimes the principal’s secretary holds more than most people realize. Be cognizant of it and use what you discover with integrity.
6. Practice management by wandering around extensively until you are a known quantity –Take walks around the building. What’s on the walls? How often are they changed? Who’s doing what? You will get ideas about projects to propose. And there is a chance for serendipitous meetings while you are walking. Let yourself be seen and then the school population won’t only think of you when they need the library. You’ll be an available resource.
7. Check your body language – Always! Your body speaks as much as you do. People react mostly without being aware that they are factoring it into what you are saying. Open posture, relaxed shoulders, appropriate smiles all go a long way to creating connections. At the same time, learn to consciously read the body language of others. It will tip you off about much that is going on with that person and if their open to or concerned about what you’re saying.

Make this month a new beginning. Taking a fresh look at your library and your school will help you as you move forward throughout the year. As you focus on new ways to reach teachers and your principal, you will find new ways to step into your role as the leader you are and need to be.

Here’s to a great second semester and continuing the school year stronger than ever.