The MNU library held its annual staff development workshop from 25-27 December 2011.
The generic skill sessions covered in this year’s workshop include “Work Productivity and Professional Attitude” and a session on customer care titled “Lose your Customer …”. These two sessions were received very well by the participants.
The session on work productivity and professional attitude concentrated on areas of: achieving personal best ad professional best; importance of attitudes; productivity and leadership; and productivity and motivation. The session was facilitated by Ms Eyman Anwar from the Human Resource Department of the University. The session along with the practical exercise was enjoyed by the participants. It was a good technique to identify the role of a leader and the role of team players; it also highlighted the importance of working in one direction – the leader and the team members placing trust on each other to achieve a common goal.
The session on customer care was facilitated by Mr Moobeen Jaleel (President of Junior Chambers International). His expertise in conducting similar motivational sessions has been an asset to other similar workshops conducted by the MNU Library. The “Lose you customer …” session focused on developing a customer mindset in the participants. The different practical approach in sending the participants outside to practically experience customer service in other places was an eye opener for all, in coming to terms with expectations of the customers. Putting oneself in the shoes of the customer was emphasized. The steps of customer service and service recovery are noteworthy.
In addition to the generic skill sessions, one whole day was dedicated to the fine tuning of standard operating procedures used in the library in relation to: the processing of library materials, user registrations, & cataloging and classification of library material. The areas that were identified were the importance of coming to an agreement to a standardized method of operations as a centralized unit; the importance of dialogue and open discussion in areas that need to be revised; and also following the agreed procedures unless deviations has been clearly identified and communicated properly.
The workshop this year took a different approach from the previous workshops. [You can read about the workshops from 2009 and 2010 by clicking on the links]. The MNU Library (earlier knows as the MCHE Library) has been conducting similar sessions annually from 2006 onwards.
This year’s workshop encourages the library team to view similar developmental opportunities as a learning journey for the individuals, for their benefit. The tendency for issuing of certification of participation is in built in our culture. However, taking part in similar workshops and other lecture series of the same nature leads to personnel development and should not warrant the need for a piece of paper to say that one has learned something new. The library management hopes that this new approach has been received positively by all the participants.
These workshops provide an opportunity for the library team, positioned in its different branches throughout Male’ to come together for exchange of ideas and also is a great opportunity for team building.
I take this opportunity to thank all the participants for their good will and enthusiasm during the 3 days and also during the practical exercises, the group discussion and the sessions in general.
A special word of thanks to: Athiyya and Shiuna for organizing and coordinating the event; Eyman Anwar for accepting to facilitate the session related to HR; and JCI & Moobeen Jaleel for their role in making this workshop a success. A note of thanks also for the section heads who arranged for staff from their sections to attend the generic skill sessions. The MNU Library hopes to see general staff development sessions, lectures, workshop being introduced at the level of Central Administration for the good of the whole MNU administrative staff community.
Wishing everyone a very happy new year for 2012.
-Aminath Riyaz-
