communication
Leadership: Navigating Challenges with Courage and Compassion
Leadership is often glamorized as a position of power and influence, but the reality is that it is not for the faint of heart. Authentic leaders are not defined solely by their titles or authority; their hearts’ size distinguishes them. Leading with empathy, courage, and compassion is the hallmark of great leadership, as it involves…
Read MoreAdapting “Management by Walking Around” for the Hybrid Credit Union
“Management by walking around” (MBWA) has been a management staple for decades. The phrase was popularized in the 1980s. Consultants Tom Peters and Robert Waterman explored the idea in their 1982 book, In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America’s Best-Run Companies. It involves leaders physically visiting their staff to observe their engagement and effort to understand…
Read MoreLeadership 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…
Read MoreTwelve 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…
Read MoreShould 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…
Read MoreJunk Fees- Credit Unions have options
Junk Fees are making the headlines. Many of these “junk fees” are designed to punish a member for bad behavior. Is this what the mission, “People helping People,” means? Using fees to punish members who have made mistakes, are financially stressed, or are struggling doesn’t fit this mission. This article will clarify what they are…
Read MoreA Culture of Accountability, the Pathway to Strategic Success
Building a culture of accountability within a credit union is crucial for fostering transparency, responsibility, and overall success. Here are some steps and strategies to help you establish and nurture a culture of accountability: Building a culture of accountability takes time and consistent effort. It’s a collective journey that involves everyone in the credit union…
Read MoreA Successful Remote Strategy is Possible
It is time we all get real. A remote/hybrid workforce is a reality, and the more executives try to fight it, the risk of quiet/loud quitting potentially results in performance gaps. A remote/hybrid remote work model allows the credit union to hire the best and the brightest because it acknowledges that some potentially high-performing employees…
Read MoreWhen Certifications and Soft Skills Collide: Navigating the Hilarious Maze of Career Advancement
In the wacky world of career advancement, a cosmic dance exists between certifications and soft skills. It’s like watching two rivaling dance troupes—one comprised of highly qualified robots armed with certificates and the other filled with quirky humans armed with charm and wit. Think of River Dance competing with Freestyle Jazz Dance. The result? A…
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