by Kitty Pope, Alliance Library System

I’ve been waiting a long time to write this article!

Over the past few months, I’ve repeatedly said at work and play “it’s all about passion baby”. How you approach life and the enthusiasm you bring to it makes all the difference between merely surviving, and soaring. It’s like going with a bang or a whimper! It’s getting excited about what you believe in and letting everyone know.

Passion is humming the Pointer Sisters classic 1982 dance tune “I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it” check out  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-DcNPFWhbk, close your office door, crank up the volume, and dance!

Webster’s defines passion as an intense emotion or conviction.  Passion is love and hate combined. To be successful library leaders, we must ensure that our passion is burning brighter than ever, because passion is the light of leaders.

The most commonly cited characteristic of the “new” library leader is their unbridled passion for the job. Educational experience is important, and age is probably relative, but passion for the job is the number one quality employers are seeking. It can’t be negotiated or faked. Passion is what is needed; library leaders must have an overwhelming desire to make a difference and, to tell the library story again and again. We know that passionate leaders have:

• Discovered work that excites them.
• Found ways to make their lives exciting and share that excitement.
• Embraced risk and change.
• Learned how to reinvent themselves.
• Cultivated their inquisitive nature.
• Learned to share, smile, and live with passion!

Passion is fundamental to inspiring others to follow your leadership. As library leaders, we need to get excited about what we do, the people we serve, and the difference we make in the lives of people every single day. We need to soar!

This is the very best time to be librarian. It’s all about the passion baby! Have a swell week.