Blog
Disrupting Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning 2.0 As we transition out of the strategic planning season, and after twenty years of being part of strategic planning on both sides of the table, I’ve observed the following process. The credit union identifies a strategic planning event on the calendar and often hires a strategic planning consultant to facilitate the meeting.…
Situations a Credit Union Should Use a Fractional Executive
Credit unions often face unique challenges that require expert guidance. In many cases, hiring a full-time executive may not be feasible or necessary. This is where fractional executives come into play. A fractional executive is an experienced professional who provides their expertise part-time or temporarily. The following are situations in which a credit union should…
What the Credit Union Board Should Know Before Hiring a Bank Executive
On the surface, the differences between running a bank and running a credit union seem very similar. However, for the Board of Directors to select the right executive to lead a credit union, it must consider that credit unions differ significantly from traditional banks’ structure, purpose, and values. The purpose of a credit union transcends…
Leadership Requires INTENTIONAL Active Listening
Good News: Active Listening is a Learned Skill In a fast-paced and increasingly remote and digital world, communication has taken various forms, from texting and email to video calls and social media. With the rapid evolution of our work environment, communication needs to be seen in the prism of the art of active listening. We…
The Seven Pitfalls of Arrogance in Leadership
If you haven’t already, you will likely experience an arrogant leader. Arrogance is a treacherous leadership failure, often leading to disastrous consequences for the leader and their team. While confidence and assertiveness can be valuable traits for a leader, there’s a fine line between self-assuredness and arrogance. When arrogance shows up in a leader, it…
Twelve Steps to Bonding with Your Members
Unlike traditional banks, credit unions have a mission to serve their members, not shareholders. This fundamental difference makes building solid and lasting relationships with their members possible. To make members love their credit union, focusing on delivering exceptional service, fostering trust, and offering financial products that meet their needs is essential. Below, I will explore…
Should YOU Consider a Fractional Executive?
To thrive in today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, credit unions must adapt, innovate, and strategically manage their operations. One innovative solution that credit unions are increasingly turning to is the fractional executive. Fractional executives are experienced professionals who work, typically as contract employees, part-time or on a project basis, to provide specialized expertise and leadership. In…
Discovering Your Niche
How Credit Unions Can Identify and Serve Unique Markets Credit unions are known for their community-based approach and member-centric services. While larger banks are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of customers, “being all things to all people,” credit unions can have a distinct advantage by serving specific niche markets that require customized products…
Five Lessons in Resilience 9/11 Taught Us
Most of us remember the horror of watching two planes fly into the World Trade Center towers. I remember watching the second plane fly into the south tower. It was like watching a movie, but it was real and terrifying. Even after 20 years, I still feel a deep sorrow when I reflect on this…
Make your strategic planning process INCLUSIVE
Strategic planning is an essential part of any organization’s success. It helps businesses to define their goals, set priorities, and allocate resources effectively. In today’s diverse and rapidly evolving work environment, it’s more important than ever to prioritize inclusivity in all aspects of business planning, especially strategic planning. Being more inclusive in strategic planning will…
Need help?
If you seek to align your culture to your mission, purpose, promise, and values, contact Rich at 720.256.4936 or Rich@l2ldev.flywheelsites.com.