Unfortunately, the jobs I've had where I was in management or leadership I didn't have anyone in the library over me to provide that sort of guidance and help. So I've had to find mentors where I could - at least for leadership anyway. The Dean of Academic Affairs for my last job was really helpful at times in helping me to navigate issues with faculty and with starting my Ph.D. program. Instructors in my Ph.D. program were helpful in broader, higher education and leadership context. I also participated in the LLAMA mentorship program which, while I didn't find it especially helpful, still provided some benefit.
I think it's very important as a new leader to be able to learn from those with more experience than yourself and having a more longterm mentor would have been very useful at times.
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Daniel Wilson
Director of Library & Learning Services
American InterContinental University
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Original Message:
Sent: Jan 06, 2020 01:02 PM
From: Erik Nordberg
Subject: Mentors in your leadership journey
Several people have mentioned mentors in their introduction messages. Jennifer Rosentstein mentioned feeling "lucky to have an excellent, supportive mentor" in her new director's position. Sarah Kortemeier indicated that her mentor moved out of state (creating the management opening she has since moved into).
How have others worked with mentors in their professional journey? How did you find your mentor? Has there been more than one? How do you interact with them? Is it formal or informal?
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Erik Nordberg
Dean of Libraries
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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