I never intended to label you either a bad boss or a whiny employee. But I guess I did put you on the spot a bit.

I completely agree that often people focus on the issues or problems without reflecting on what can be gained. Although I suspect they have an idea what they are saying no to, more work.

It is great that you are practicing what you preach and starting with a “yes”. I just wanted to tell people that “no” doesn’t have to be the end of it.

Thanks for the comment. I’ll have to go back and catch up on your posts.

“say ‘yes’ as least as often as you do with other services.”

“say ‘yes, I will learn some of this with you.’”

and so on. My broader point, of course, is that so often people start with the issues and problems without even understanding what they are saying “no” to.

Also I speak less as a whiny employee and more as a tech manager. I’ve found the “yes, now write up a 2 page brief on what you want to happen” method has been really useful so far. And just today, in fact, I presented a list of 15 top ideas to prioritize. Seeing all those briefs together in a big package really provided people with some perspective on the need for solid planning, especially with technology related items.

The important thing was that I got the ideas (even the bad ones) in the first place. I believe that starting with the “yes” got me to this stage.

Great post though and I definitely will look out for the Brazen Careerist. As a great blogger, Walt Crawford, suggests, balance is key to successful libraries. How we achieve that balance, I guess, is up to debate.

My friend is in charge of implementing technology for teachers to use in one of the largest school districts in the country. And the pushback is incredible. Especially given how inevitable the switch to technology is.

Penelope