Interpersonal Skills, Theory and Practice: The Librarian's Guide to Becoming a Leader »

Although the book focuses on one aspect of leadership, interpersonal communication, its purpose is to provide a practical guide to becoming a leader, addressing other aspects of leadership. The author, having worked with students and librarians on local, national, and international levels, has come to believe that interpersonal competence is by far the most important skill for leadership success.

While there are many books on leadership, there are none extant that focus on the key attributes of interpersonal communication and/or emotional intelligence for librarians. This book, through explanation of theory and application to practice of librarianship will outline concrete steps to improving interpersonal skills/communication. All in the context of other attributes of leaders, it will show how interpersonal skills are not only achievable, but paramount in achieving career success.

Introduction

Chapter 1 Leadership Theories and Management Functions: You Can't Have One Without the Other 1

Chapter 2 Understanding Yourself and Your Leadership Potential 11

Chapter 3 Listening: The Most Powerful Tool, the Most Neglected Skill 21

Chapter 4 Small Group Dynamics and Teams 37

Chapter 5 Motivation: Can You Inspire? 51

Chapter 6 Conflict: The Unavoidable Connection 59

Chapter 7 Creating a Positive Climate for Change 71

Chapter 8 Your Leadership Development Plan 79

Bibliography 89

Index 93