Weekend Retreat

Library Leadership Weekend Retreat
A restorative, empowering retreat for library leaders
Dates and Locations TBD
(Contact Steve for details!)

Give yourself a rewarding, nourishing, introspective experience with like-minded others…

  • Through a series of facilitated discussions and exercises, reflect on the intimate and interdependent connection between your overall well-being, personal growth and leadership effectiveness
  • Learn about what makes you unique as a library leader and where there are opportunities to grow
  • Savor a restful and rejuvenating weekend in a beautiful natural setting
  • Play, laugh, eat delicious food and enjoy entertaining, relaxing conversations
  • Enjoy quiet time for walks on the beach, meditation and journaling

What you won’t be allowed to do…

  • Troubleshoot HVAC, complete payroll or authorize invoices
  • Discuss daily library routines, tasks and troubles (unless guided to in one of the facilitated discussions)

What you will get…

  • A private bedroom in a charming AirBNB
  • An artful journal with personalized prompts
  • Skillful coaching conversations, both one-on-one and in groups
  • New collegial friendships

Your Host & Facilitator

Steve Butzel, former director of the Portsmouth Public Library (NH), interim director of three public libraries in the 2022-23, and founder of Uncomfortable Fun, a leadership development and coaching consultancy. Steve also recently presented at three state library conferences in New England, and is completing a certified professional coaching program at IPEC.

 

Client Testimonials from the 2023 Retreat on Cape Cod, MA

“What a treat to spend time in good company with others in a similar career phase and facing problems I can relate to! The guided conversations were enormously useful, and the social time was warm and welcoming. Steve was a kind, thoughtful, and courageous leader who asked us to step out of our comfort zones to think deeply about who we are as leaders.”

– Bethany Klem, Library Director, Dover Town Library

 

“I really enjoyed meeting fellow library directors who were all absolutely amazing people and colleagues. I found the facilitated and group conversations very empowering in that I found my experiences mirrored others, and my feelings and opinions were respected. I think there was an excellent balance of workshops and relaxation. Steve was really an outstanding facilitator for our group discussions and exercises. We could speak freely, and he knew when we needed to be challenged or pushed.”

– Kim Shipala, Library Director, Fiske Public Library

 

Client Testimonials from the 2022 Retreat at Lake Sunapee, NH


"Working with Steve during the Library Leadership Weekend Retreat was an incredible experience, and far more impactful and powerful than I could have anticipated. Having known Steve for many years, I had great faith in his skills as a facilitator, but he far exceeded any expectations I had. His professionalism, kindness, insight, and genuine caring for all the participants was clear in every interaction we had with him. I highly recommend working with Steve, whether as a coach or a retreat leader. The retreat was just the beginning of my journey, and I am so thankful I took this first step with Uncomfortable Fun."

- Heather Rainier, Library Director, Hooksett Public Library


"I can't speak highly enough of Steve's organization of our Library Leadership Weekend Retreat. It was evident from even before the weekend started that Steve was deeply committed to our personal and professional growth. Steve's leadership of all activities throughout the retreat was outstanding, but of particular note was his facilitation of our group discussions. He so deftly managed discussion (and at times, emotional and intense conversation,) one would think he was born doing this. If you have the opportunity, I would highly, highly recommend you attend a Library Leadership Retreat with Steve. You will return feeling rejuvenated, reinvigorated and READY to lead!"

- Eric Stern, Library Director, Derry Public Library


"When Steve invited me to attend a leadership retreat on Lake Sunapee that draws library leaders out of the pressure and demands of service work for a weekend to pause, reflect, and learn with and from colleagues, I had to say yes. Steve has identified a much needed niche for library leaders who are feeling the crunch but lacking an outlet. Through a series of thought-provoking workshops, deep conversations and opportunities for reflection, you will leave refreshed and return to your work spaces with tangible objectives in hand."

- Yvette Couser, Library Director, Merrimack Public Library


"In a relaxed setting, library directors from different sized libraries and areas of interest, were guided and encouraged to explore and focus on their own leadership values, life goals, and interpersonal communications, while also enjoying time communing with nature and supporting each other."

- Scott Brill, Library Director, Derby Public Library