ER&L 2014

The digital information landscape is increasingly complex, often pressured and subject to significant on-going disruption and change. New technologies, business models, acquisition options, markets, patron expectations, funding policies and competitors mean libraries and others are continually having to rethink what they do and how they do it. At the same time, this change and disruption brings significant potential and opportunity. So, hurrah for change, challenge and uncertainty, right? Well, not quite. Research shows that continual change, disruption, uncertainty and take a significant toll on human capacity and resourcefulness forcing right-thinking organisations to confront and resolve these key issues: - How do we ensure key staff remain motivated and impactful? - What steps can we take to ensure we continue to identify and respond positively to opportunity? - How can we enhance staff productivity, engagement and resourcefulness in the face of on-going change, challenge and uncertainty? - How do we minimise the impact of workplace stress (e.g. loss of valued staff members, overwork and burn-out, presenteeism and increased sick-leave)?
One proven answer to these questions is the cultivation of RESLIENCE. Resilience encompasses a range of qualities and capacities which enable human beings to remain flexible, resourceful and effective in even the most dynamic environments. There is a strong evidence-base which shows that by cultivating resilience amongst their staff, organisations will enhance their capacity to thrive - rather than simply survive - in even the most dynamic environments. Enhanced resilience brings a range of benefits to individuals and teams too from improved productivity, engagement, motivation and impact to enhanced health and well-being. This talk seeks to raise awareness of resilience and provide insight into how this quality and capacity can serve us, our colleagues and the organisations we work for. (*Maya Angelou)
Sarah Durrant has over 23 years' experience drawn from a wide range of companies in the publishing and online information sector. She has worked for American and European organisations and conducted business in over fifty countries. Sarah is an experienced senior manager and C-level leader. Through Red Sage she provides leadership and development training, coaching and mentoring, expert facilitation, marketing, research and business development services. Sarah is passionate about coaching and leadership development and committed to helping individuals and businesses fulfill their purpose and potential. She runs a successful coaching business (www.alifeonpurpose.co.uk) providing life and career coaching to individuals on a one-to-one basis.
During her career Sarah has worked for and with a range of commercial and not-for-profit publishers, information intermediaries, libraries and consortia, universities, higher education organisations and trade bodies. Sarah is owner and facilitator of the popular Licensing and Negotiations Skills for Librarians course run through UKSG and is a member of the UKSG Education Committee. Red Sage Consulting was established in July 2007.