Stärke statt Macht

Neue Autorität in der Praxis der bibliothekarischen Führung

Abstract

Although the use of modern, employee-centred and cooperative leadership styles should be a matter of course in library management, bureaucratic structures and hierarchical traditions often make it difficult to implement. The concept of “New Authority” is presented as a way of exercising authority without power. It is based on the idea that strength replaces power in leadership and that authority arises exclusively in relationships. The concept comprises seven elements, including self-leadership, perseverance and de-escalation, as well as transparency and presence. For the application of new authority in management practice, limits and open questions are identified, such as the limits of transparency in a leader’s communication. Nevertheless, the concept of new authority is suitable for modern libraries that oscillate between tradition and change.