Partner

            What do they mean to you or what will be your reaction or response when you face one of the following situations, conditions, or circumstances: chaos, conflict, complexity, difficulty, campaign, or crisis? All imply certain degree of hardship, obstacles, anxiety, or frustration. What will you do or what action will you take when surrounded such uncomfortable encounter?

            Every morning when we open our eyes, the battle begins: there are decisions to make, from which outfit to put on for work to what’s for breakfast, from whether to have lunch with someone or have it alone to what time to brush teeth before bedtime. Choices have to be made; some come from autopilot, habits, or routines, and some have to be made depending upon how the day proceeds or whom you run into. It’s a nonstop process and battle day in and day out. So what’s your plan for the day?

            To me, chaos and conflict mean opportunities and learning grounds. After reading some books about leadership looking for answers, instead of clarification and enlightenment, I got more questions and confusions. Almost every book told about motivations, rewards, or inspirations. Why would these be so important if, from the beginning, one went looking for a job and knew what one wanted to achieve? If what a person wants is just a paycheck, how would one be happy and satisfied being a human being, a species that claims to be more intelligent and the most dominant creatures roaming the earth? There must be something ingrained in us that drive us to the betterment, excellence, and greatness. Will is what I think one of the driving forces inside each of us.

            Jennifer and I have been coworkers ever since the first day I was employed at the branch library. Years ago, when there were more than enough people to have their own groups, Jennifer and I belonged to different group with each under different supervisors. Back then, hardly did our line of work crossed over; she was the veteran circulation service representative and I a page. Over the year changes came; people came and went and the bodies of workforce reduced from 14 to 6. During these years I went back to school, earned a degree, and got hired as an adult librarian. Still, we worked together under the same roof by different management. The boundary of duties and responsibilities became blurring; everyone made her efforts to have tasks done. The library somehow became a family to me. I felt like I worked with Jennifer shoulder to shoulder on a daily basis.

            It’s a slow process, in retrospect, thinking of the relationship I have built with Jennifer over the years. She became more visible and approachable after the CSR’s supervisor being moved. Without default supervision, Jennifer boomed and grew into a new person, at least, in my eyes. There was no doubt about her competence and capability being a seasoned and experienced CSR. Again and again patrons complimented Jennifer for her prompt responses and quick maneuvers at the circulation desk. Those positive feedback told me one thing: Jennifer owns talents and gifts at public relation and other service fields.

            In addition to our manager, Lynette, I am used to be the one emptying the overnight chute for returned items early in the morning when we come in to work. Though occupied by circulation tasks Jennifer usually would find time to do the same task during the open hours. She would gather the returned items and carry them to an available computer to check them in and place them onto according shelves on the truck behind the page work area. It’s autonomy calling Jennifer to perform such tasks. Autonomy comes from will, the will to contribute, to make efforts for the teamwork, and to make a difference at the workplace.

            At work, people are grouped together to meet goals, satisfy the customers, and fill the demands. Basically speaking people come to work to make their own living: to bring home a paycheck to meet their daily life needs. Is there anything else for a person to take home with?

            The other day Jennifer and I had a conversation at a lunch table outside the library. Jennifer told me sometimes she would have concerns or even worries about some of our regulars. If certain people didn’t come or show up at the library she would think of them and wonder if they were ok. It’s as if those patrons broke their routine and got Jennifer wonder and worry about their absence. I felt so proud of Jennifer at hearing her confession. She subconsciously has elevated her customer services to certain level. One would wonder what is the drive or force behind this phenomenon of Jennifer’s.

            Will comes from within. No need to be asked, requested, or pushed; a person is willing to make efforts for her team. Physically exhausted? Yes, but mentally and spiritually satisfied for one would take home sense of achievement and sense of pride. Jennifer and I are partners; we talked about positive influence, we shared tasks, duties and responsibilities with pride and honor, and we worked together as close as if we were driven by tacit knowledge and glued with joy and love, love of being there for each other.

            Loads of tasks become lighter for I have Jennifer there working with me. Works, like joy and love, have to be shared to intensity their degree of impact and importance. Public library is a holy place; each book holds potential for fulfillment, satisfaction, and happiness.

I am glad that I have a partner who shares with me defined view and values. Her name is Jennifer.