Culture
Crafting Leadership Excellence
The 12 Elements of a Successful Leadership Development Program for Credit Unions Credit unions operate in a highly volatile and competitive environment. Every major initiative requires cross-functional and cross-silo teams. Because of this ecosystem, credit unions must ensure consistent leadership behaviors and intentions for these diverse teams to be effective and execute expertly. Strong leadership…
Read MoreDisrupting 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.…
Read MoreSituations 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
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 MoreThe 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…
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 MoreDiscovering 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…
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