Today's Reading

The librarian interrupted Debbie's somber thought. "How's your work going? Getting everything done?"

"Not exactly. I've reviewed the current situation, but I don't know where to go from here," Debbie admitted.

"Maybe I can help," the librarian said.

Debbie was amused by the comment but tried not to show it. "Well, thank you, but I'm not sure you could. It's a complex problem."

"Oh, I didn't mean that I could personally help you solve your problem," the woman responded patiently. "However, we do have quite a few resources about business at our disposal. I know you have the internet and AI, but we have books here that can give you the big picture, not just answer questions. What is the problem you're trying to solve?"

"In our company, we often refer to problems as opportunities," Debbie explained.

"Okay, what's the opportunity?" the librarian asked with another smile.

"I think I could sum it up by saying that I have an opportunity to improve the performance of my team."

"Do you know what's causing the performance issues?"

Debbie paused. "I'm not sure. I listed all the key events from the last year and several things that could have contributed, but—"

"But what?"

"I get this sinking feeling that I may be a significant part of the problem. I've only been the team leader for about a year, and I have no prior training or experience." Debbie thought, I can't believe I'm baring my soul to the librarian.

"We've got quite a few resources on leadership development," the librarian offered.

"Leadership development," Debbie repeated.

"Yes," said the librarian, "you said you might be part of the problem."

"I think I said I might be a contributing factor, but the real issue is performance." Debbie could feel herself getting defensive. It was one thing to admit she might be part of the problem. It had a different ring to it when she heard someone else say it.

The librarian stepped back. "Okay, I'll leave you alone to work on it yourself."

As the woman walked away, Debbie reconsidered. Maybe there are some new leadership tricks I can learn. What could she lose at this point? Only her job and her dream. "Wait!" she called out. "I'm sorry. I was a bit defensive. I've been under a lot of pressure."

The woman turned back with an understanding look. "It's okay."

"Where are those books you mentioned?" Debbie asked, relieved that the librarian was still willing to help.

"Follow me." The librarian led Debbie to a nearby computer, and together they scrolled through the listings, which included titles such as these:

* The Power of 360-Degree Feedback

* Development Plans That Work

* Leaders Mentoring Leaders

* What Do Leaders Do?

* Finding the Perfect Mentor

Debbie began to notice something as they scrolled from screen to screen. The word 'mentoring' was repeated several times; in fact, it was repeated on almost every screen they viewed. Then it hit her!

"Excuse me," she said.

She went back to her laptop and opened her email. She was sure she had seen a message that had something to do with mentoring. It read:

Send to: All Supervisors and Managers
From: Melissa Arnold
Subject: Mentoring Opportunities
Date: May 23

As outlined in our annual plan, we indicated that assisting the current and next generation of leaders would be one of our top priorities for this year and for years to come. We believe that one way we can assist our emerging leaders is to establish a formal mentoring program within the organization. We want to be very clear that this program is optional. Any of you who wish to participate need to submit an application to me before June 1.

If you would like additional information about the program, there will be a "Lunch and Learn" on Friday, May 28, in the fourth-floor conference room from 12:15 until 1 p.m. Bring your own lunch.

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