Over the last few weeks in my reading, I’ve come across references to New Zealanders’ tall poppy syndrome, something that we as people in this great land tend to specialise in I hear.
While pondering the mechanics of LIANZA and it’s organisational structure of the representative body – the council – it’s come to my attention why there is usually little participation and nominations in council elections held every year.
This year, nominations were sought for two regional councillors and president-elect. The process is still quite mythical to me, even after nearly three years being involved at a regional and national level with LIANZA.
I believe the primary reason that nominations for council positions and in particular, president-elect are so low (an average of one nomination per position per election I figure) is that we live in New Zealand folks. We are New Zealanders. We have all bought into this stupid “tall poppy” syndrome, where you get chopped down if you put your pretty head out, or something like that.
We have bought into it, are brought up with it, and it’s in our blood unfortunately, more or less.
The other reason, lets say secondary, is that we’re librarians. We have also bought into the “slow and steady wins the race” niceness of the profession, where if you do something good, in time, it will get noticed – just keep going doing what you’re doing and one day you’ll get recognised for it.
When do we ever seriously consider standing up for ourselves on our own *in front* of our peers?
It’s like making a speech – who actually likes making speeches? Who in their right mind (as in, not tinged with a glass or two) stands up in front of their peers and says, yes I think I can speak for you, ahhh, “This year has been a testing one for some of us with cut backs announced by a number of key industry employers this year, and I’m here to let you know that on behalf of our professional association, I am with you…”
This is what I imagine the president says anyway at events throughout their term, thinking of conference as the major speech occasion.
What ideas do you have about why LIANZA members in particular don’t nominate themselves for council positions?
Is it because the term, “nominate” is used, instead of a more understandable – “apply for this position!” ? The jargon is a little off putting I think.
What do you think?
note: this post was written after thinking about the question Sally asks on NZ Libraries in 2025 – “Are the LIANZA Executive just ‘nominal’ positions to fulfil LIANZA’s constitutional obligations?”
Hey Hana. I think it is probably important to point out that both Council and the Pres Elect are not about nominating yourself, for both you need to be nominated by someone else. That said, I think you make a good point about being willing to indicate your willingness to consider nomination. I think in general we are not great at putting ourselves out there, for LIANZA or at work and we need to get better at this.
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