Comp M | Leadership & Communication

Demonstrate professional leadership and communication skills

Section A | Definition of Competency

Competency M is an opportunity to demonstrate library and information professional leadership and communication skills. This competency is understood through definitions of leader and leadership and evidence of those skills. Information Services Today defines a leader as “a person who influences others to adhere to [their] ideas, values, and models of behavior” (Golden, 2015). This influence can be demonstrated from any area of life. However, it is realized that “anyone can learn to be a leader, yet leadership development is a lifelong process” (Sawyer, 2015). The process is seen in four competencies and Sawyer sites Warren Bennis Leadership: Four Essential Competencies as follows:

o Creation of shared meaning

o Distinctive voice

o Emotional intelligence

o Integrity

Leadership is lifelong investment engaging others, a clear vision, empathetic approach, and honest communication. Application of these investments are presented in evidence of peer mentoring and a conference poster session.

Section B | Background to the Competency

In addition to definitions, competency M professional leadership and communication skills is studied through the following courses as confirmed in their syllabus:

o INFO 203 Online Learning

o INFO 200 Information Communities

o INFO 204 Information Professions

o INFO 298 Peer Mentoring

Application of this competency is presented in a reflection assignment INFO 298 and a poster session at a professional library conference for INFO 281 Globalization research paper.

Section C | Discussion of Evidence

INFO 298 | Reflection Assignment

Document Available to Academic Advisor Only

This reflection assignment is on my INFO 298 Peer Mentoring experience which required engaging with fellow learners including peers, a clear vision to assist fellow students towards successful completion, with understanding their needs. Also demonstrating honest communication skills through comments, posts, and presentations. Leadership development is about “understanding of supportive mentorship and guidance through our continuous interactions with peers” (Buchanan, 2018). Leadership is an intentional and continuous effort.

INFO 281 | Global Knowledge Poster

https://www.slideshare.net/KejoBuchanan/global-knowledge-poster-104414424

This poster is for a Global Knowledge research paper from INFO 281 Globalization, and focuses on information professional partnership with marginalized communities to assure the necessary collection, dissemination, and preservation of global knowledge. Therefore, the research paper, poster and presentation function as evidence of leadership and communication skills. The event was a SJSU iSchool Reception Poster Session at ALA 2018 Conference and included fellow students, faculty, friends and alumni. Attendees offered an opportunity for leadership and communication development by presenting and exchanging ideas, creating new networks and learning from fellow leaders and their research.

Section D | Conclusion

Competency M demonstrates professional leadership and communication skills through discussing the meaning of leaders and leadership and presenting evidence of communication and leadership skills. My vision is to remain a knowledge sharer and creative, that merges information skills and artistry with collectives to positively impact global and diverse communities.

Section E | References

Buchanan, K. (2018). Global knowledge [Slide]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/KejoBuchanan/global-knowledge-poster-104414424

Buchanan, K. (2019). Reflection Assignment: learning to peer mentor [Unpublished assignment]. San José State University.

Golden, J. (2015). Management Skills. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (pp. 20-26). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.

Sawyer, C.H. (2015) Leadership for Today and Tomorrow. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (pp. 381-387). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.