JUST A THOUGHT

There is something I have noticed since becoming the director of a public library going on ten years ago...the staff hates to be criticized and just loves to be praised. Those 'good idea janes' and 'nice job Alans' that I am constantly doling out, willingly I might add, seem to be appreciated, and indeed, expected. It's the basic foundation of good child rearing: focus on the positive, be firm about, but downplay the negative, and your child will end up with good self-esteem, confidence and belief in his/her abilities. I've seen that working with the boss-employee relationship as well, andf ind it especially important when one is the kind of boss who does not believe in micro-managing. Encourage workers to do their best job, keep track of what is going on, praise whenever possible, and the result is usually a good one.

There is only one problem here....did anyone ever think of praising the boss?!

Okay, it may be because I was an only child, but I like getting praised for the occasional good job that I do. Praise does come from some of my bosses, the Library Board of Trustees, but rarely from the people with whom I work day in and day out...my staff. Of course, like all bosses, I learned long ago not to take anything personally, but gosh, a word of praise once in a while would be encouraging. Like how about: "Thanks, you always act on my concerns in a timely manner; I appreciate that." Or: "Thanks for always letting the Board of Trustees know when an emplyee has done something really well."

Let's face it, I have enough self-confidence in the job I am doing to not need praise. And, I know that there is no malice aforethought by my staff in not thinking of giving their boss a good word once in a while. But, it wouldbe nice.

Just a thought.