Questions new managers should ask

There was a fabulous SirsiDynix Institute in September, entitled "Dumping the Org Chart: Get 'Er Done: Management for a 2.0 Library."  The presenters were Rob Banks and Gina Millsap from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and they did a fabulous job.   You can view or listen to the archived presentations, which I recommend to everyone reading this.

Something that Gina Millsap said has stuck with me since that presentation, and keeps creeping back into my consciousness, particularly as I ready for starting a new job.  Below is a list of questions she recommends that new managers ask their supervisees in order to better understand where improvements can be made and what valuable assets exist within the library.

• What are the top things we need to preserve and why?
• What are the top 3 things we need to change and why?
• What are the barriers to doing your best work?
• What makes you feel valued?
• What do you most hope I do in my position?
• What are you most concerned I might do in my position?

Finding out the answers to the above questions will help any new manager or supervisor to better understand his or her employees as well as avoid many of the trip ups that new managers often encounter.  And trust me, the rest of the  session was just as good and chock full of other great pointers.  Take a listen!