Two staff members are at odds over library programming priorities. How can you help them find common ground?

1 Acknowledge Views

When two staff members clash over library programming, the first step is to acknowledge each person's viewpoint. Listen attentively to their concerns and the reasons behind their priorities. This doesn't mean agreeing with one side or the other but showing that you understand where they're coming from. It's important to validate their feelings and expertise, as this can reduce defensiveness and open the door to more productive discussions. Remember, the goal is not to choose a winner but to find a solution that benefits the library and its patrons.

2 Identify Goals

After understanding each staff member's perspective, the next step is to identify common goals. Despite their differences, it's likely that both parties share a fundamental desire to serve the library's patrons effectively. By focusing on these shared objectives, you can shift the conversation from conflicting opinions to a joint mission. Encourage them to articulate their ideal outcomes for the library's programming and look for overlaps. These commonalities will become the foundation for a compromise that satisfies both parties.

3 Explore Options

With shared goals established, it's time to explore options for library programming that could satisfy both staff members. Encourage creative thinking and brainstorming without immediately dismissing any ideas. This phase is about generating possibilities, not making final decisions. By considering a wide range of programming options, you may discover innovative solutions that neither party had considered before. This process can also reveal new ways to combine different priorities into a cohesive plan.

4 Promote Dialogue

Promoting open dialogue is crucial in resolving disagreements over programming priorities. Facilitate a discussion where both staff members can express their thoughts and concerns without interruption. This can be done through structured meetings or more informal discussions, depending on the library's culture. Ensure that the conversation remains respectful and focused on finding solutions rather than dwelling on disagreements. Effective communication can lead to a deeper understanding between the conflicting parties and a more harmonious working relationship.

5 Implement Trial

Once a potential compromise has been reached, consider implementing a trial period for the new programming approach. This allows both staff members to see their ideas in action and assess their effectiveness in a real-world setting. A trial period also provides an opportunity to gather feedback from patrons, which can be invaluable in evaluating the success of the programming. Be prepared to make adjustments based on this feedback and the observations of the staff involved. Trial periods can be an excellent way to test new ideas without committing to long-term changes.

6 Review Results

Finally, set a time to review the results of the trial programming. Gather both qualitative and quantitative feedback to assess its impact. Encourage the staff members to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. This review process should be collaborative, with all parties having a say in the final assessment. The aim is to reach a consensus on the most effective programming for the library, taking into account the needs of patrons and the professional judgment of the staff. Through this reflective process, you can help build a stronger, more united library team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?