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.
