Culture
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…
Read MoreMake 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…
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…
Read MoreFinancial Education, Literacy, or Wellness – Oh My!
In credit unions, Financial Education, Financial Literacy, and Financial Wellness are seemingly interchangeable, but each has a distinct meaning and purpose. What does your credit union want to become in the eyes of your members and the community? Which of these options will differentiate you from other financial providers? Financial Education: Financial education provides consumers…
Read MoreHarmony of Purpose in Strategic Execution
In the fast-paced and ever-changing financial services landscape, the successful execution of a strategic plan is crucial to a credit union’s growth and sustainability. However, even the most well-crafted strategies can fall short of their intended outcomes if they are not effectively aligned with a consistent and disciplined culture. Cultural alignment is pivotal in strategic…
Read MoreThe Retired CEO won’t get out of the way… What should the board do?
A very high-profile credit union faces a leadership and strategic crisis that may derail the organization for decades. Here is the situation I have observed from afar. The retired CEO disagreed with the new CEO’s direction for the credit union and won’t get out of the way. He has publicly disrupted the organization’s annual meeting,…
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