Retreat!

For the first time, the entire Library goes on retreat to the Meridian Center. Three years of learning to function in the new building has brought us to a place far different from the one in which we entered our endeavor.

In the trauma of being reborn, we needed to learn to function independently of each other, our offices now separated by great distances, no longer huddled together in the same shared space. Our collections spread out into the birthing space in sometimes mixed up ways that we had to straighten out.

As we grew into the building, we discovered that our actions were not independent, but every action had a ripple effect in everyone else's work. We had to learn how to walk all over again. Now as separate entities, we learned to work together as a team, all the while maintaining an acceptable level of service and functionality. Not everyone knowing everything, but everyone aware of how their expertise will impact other areas.

We have done our work well. There have been frustrations, but we are coming into our stride. Our strategic planning has provided avenues of continuance. But there are rough edges. We are not all in the same place. We still have a few growing pains to conquer.

So we step aside to reflect, to think about how we are functioning now, so far afield from where we were. We invite some consultants to help us see ourselves, show us how we are interacting, where we can do better, where we are missing the mark. We learn more about ourselves, about each other.

I am fascinated by the conversations, surprised at depths I had not yet discovered in my colleagues. It is a good day. Not about goals and statistics and projects. Just about being knit together better. I come away with a renewed respect for my fellow laborers. I am pleased to be part of this team. We have come a long ways, but we are not ready to sit back and bask. It is encouraging.