How do you define leadership?
Leadership is helping people make good ideas happen. Sometimes the idea comes from the people, sometimes the idea comes from the leader. The key is knowing when it’s the right idea for the time, getting the resources to make it happen, and motivating and coordinating the efforts of everyone involved. It requires trust, people skills, energy, and competence. Leadership can be positional and/or situational.
What motivates you to get up and go to work each day?
I believe in the work I do. Libraries are important cultural and educational institutions that enhance society and help drive democracy. I have faith in the leadership of this particular institution. I am inspired and humbled every day by the talent and dedication of the staff and faculty I oversee.
Mac or PC?
Both! I use a PC at work and a Mac at home. Perhaps being left-handed in a right-handed world has taught me to be ambidextrous in more ways than one.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I’d be wise enough and skilled enough to write the next Great American novel.
What chore do you hate doing the most?
Cleaning bathrooms.
What is your name, unit, and position?
Karen Diaz, Libraries, Dean