Hi collective mind!
We've been talking a lot of late about effective soft skills and how to hold staff accountable to them. Part of this conversation has involved a consultant who drafted for us behavior standards. The small group sessions that were used to create these standards were wonderful and much good information came out of them. But, the behavior standards fell a bit flat. It ended up feeling condescending to staff (and much like the guidelines at my daughters elementary school.)
In our staff conversations we discussed the soft skill section of our job descriptions. Every job description at the library has one section that is exactly the same for all staff. It covers 'soft skills' such as: Customer Service, Teamwork, Communication, Adaptability, and Image.
As we discussed these soft skills and the behavior standard draft we decided that melding the two into one document would make the most sense. As a result we're looking to re-write this section of the job description.
I believe that soft skills are some of the most important skills effective employees can possess, and want to keep this section in our job descriptions. But, I have not doubt that some serious re-working is necessary.
Anyone have a document covering soft skills/behavior standards that you use at your library?
Thanks!
Andrea
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Andrea Ingmire
Library Director
Peter White Public Library
(906) 226-4303 (office)
(906) 250-0080 (cell)
(906) 226-1783 (fax)
http://pwpl.info/