DEI
What’s Next for DEI?
You feel Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential to your credit union’s mission and values, but with the political and societal anti-DEI feelings, you may be getting pushback. Some of the population have even demonized the acronym “DEI.” But we are in the “People Helping People” business, and inclusivity is vital to that purpose.…
Read More“Service as an Act of Stewardship” will Transform your Credit Union
Service, what is it? Bank service has been defined by the consumer as, did they engage me quickly, did they make eye contact, did they smile, were they fast, did they say thank you – a very low bar to member satisfaction but one that doesn’t differentiate the credit union. What can a credit union…
Read MoreA CEO Problem – The Domino Effect of High Turnover at the Teller Line
Often, the only time the C-Suite becomes involved in recruiting is during the search for a strategic leader. This makes sense, but it is also vital that the C-Suite fully appreciate the impact of high turnover lower in the credit union’s hierarchy and approach these challenges strategically. This deeper dive is essential because high turnover,…
Read MoreLeaders, Avoid “Bobbleheads”
In leadership, the tendency to surround oneself with individuals who constantly nod in agreement—often called ‘bobbleheads’ due to their constant nodding—can be detrimental to effective decision-making, innovation, and overall credit union success. This behavior can lead to a lack of critical evaluation of ideas, as everyone agrees without questioning or offering alternative viewpoints. While it…
Read MoreHow to Retain Employees and Members
Fostering a Culture of Belonging Employee burnout is a pervasive issue affecting organizations across various industries, and credit unions are no exception. The financial sector demands high commitment, attention to detail, and often long working hours, making credit union employees susceptible to burnout. However, creating a culture of belonging can be a powerful antidote to…
Read MoreStriking the Right Balance Between Staffing Needs and Wants
In the not-too-distant past, we saw quiet quitting, and it appears in 2024 that we are seeing a return to layoffs. For example, Kinecta Credit Union, with 806 full-time equivalent employees, recently laid off 84 employees due to a fall in earnings. And, Kinecta is not alone in this trend. The workplace looks and feels…
Read MoreThe “B” in DEIB – Strategies for Fostering Belonging
The importance of an employee feeling like they belong cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts individual and organizational outcomes. An employee’s race, religion, sexual identity, gender, and age must be taken into consideration if a credit union seeks to create a culture of belonging. This strong sense of belonging contributes significantly to employee well-being,…
Read MoreFrom “I’m Not Racist” to Becoming an Ally: A Journey of Personal Growth
“I’m not a Racist!” Anger or tears often accompany this proclamation and may be proof that, yes, you are a racist. But take a breath and pay attention. You can become an ally and also lead your credit union into a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) reality. In today’s world, acknowledging and addressing racism-related…
Read MoreDo Bots and Keywords Limit Access to Qualified and Diverse Candidates?
Recently, I’ve had the honor of coaching and mentoring some competent professionals as they sought career changes. The common denominator with these high-potential applicants is that their opportunities have been limited because of the arbitrary algorithms found in bots and the way keywords are highlighted. Bots and keywords have become the primary selection tool in…
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