Financial Literacy vs Financial Wellness – a Consumer’s View

Credit unions and banks across the country have financial literacy on their to-do list, but what consumers need/want is a roadmap to financial wellness, not just financial literacy. Well, what’s the difference? Financial literacy is about understanding money basics. Typically the curriculum includes topics like “how to balance your checkbook,” “what is a savings account,”…

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Lonely at the top is a real thing…

The corner office has long been a symbol of success and power. It represents the pinnacle of achievement. However, this coveted workspace has a dark side. At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive that someone with so much authority and responsibility could feel lonely. After all, they have access to the best resources and talent…

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Payroll Transparency – yes or no?

Payroll transparency is an essential aspect of any organization’s financial management. It refers to openly sharing information about employees’ salaries, benefits, and other compensation-related data with them. This can be done through various means, such as posting salaries on an internal company website or making them available to employees upon request. This practice promotes trust…

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Innovative is a core value; how do I get there?

Many credit unions I work with have “innovative” in their core values because thriving organizations know innovation is critical to their long-term success. We also know that organizations that fail to innovate risk being left behind in an ever-changing and competitive marketplace. No, it is unlikely that a credit union will become like Apple or…

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The Toxic Boss – 6 X 6

What happens when you have a toxic boss and how to fix it A toxic boss affects your work, job satisfaction, and quality of life. Knowing what a toxic boss does to the organization and the employee is essential. But equally important is to have strategies to manage a poisonous boss situation. Here are six…

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The Buck Stops Here – How to make sound decisions

Making difficult choices at work can be challenging, especially when the outcome of those decisions can significantly impact the organization and the people it serves. Whether you are a manager or an individual contributor, there are times when you will be faced with difficult choices that require you to consider your options and carefully make…

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No Succession Plan? What could go wrong?

Succession planning can be seen as a “nice to have,” but it can wait. Umm, not so much. I was an executive with a credit union when the CEO died suddenly at a legislative breakfast at the state capitol. The disruption, disarray, and sense of fear were overwhelming. Key executives were more worried about their…

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Bad, bad culture…

Corporate culture refers to the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape a company’s overall work and service environment. A positive corporate culture enhances employee satisfaction, fosters innovation, and promotes productivity. Conversely, a bad corporate culture devastates a company, its employees, and its customers. In this article, I will explore the dangers of bad corporate culture…

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To Lay Off or Not to Lay Off – the big question

The decision to lay off employees is one of the most challenging decisions a company can make. It is often a last resort in response to changing market conditions, financial difficulties, or shifts in the company’s strategic direction. However, while layoffs can be necessary for a company to survive, it is essential to approach the…

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