What you need to Become a Successful Director

I attended this one to compare what I know of library directors with what would be shared about museum directors. The workshop was directed by Linda Sweet and Diane Frankel of Management Consultants for the Arts; Diane was formerly of IMLS. As there were a lot of new museum directors and members of selection committees present they decided to arrange the attendants in a large circle and find out what we most wanted to hear about. There was discussion of the education and experience a future director might want to pursue, challenges in taking the reins of an organization you are new to as well as one you have grown up in, so to speak. One particular challenge that was discussed in the latter is becoming comfortable delegating tasks you used to do and trusting those under you to do them well, make yourself available for assistance but you just have to let go sometimes.

Other topics touched on included introducing yourself to your community whether you are new to the museum or new to the position so that those in the community recognize you in your new position. Don't let your board be caught by surprise by anything; keep that connection strong and supportive whether the board holds real power or is advisory. They also talked about how to know when staff need to stay on or get off the bus which is actually my final session this afternoon so more to follow.