Make 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…

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Junk 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…

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You Got that Job. Now Stay Humble!

Maybe you’ve observed this situation. Someone gets promoted to a role they have aspired to attain for years. Almost instantly, their communication takes on a new tone, and maybe arrogance creeps into their behaviors. Several years ago, I read an article about someone who had taken over my previous job. In the article, my successor…

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A 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…

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To Get a Seat at the Table, Become a Strategic Thinker

Becoming a strategic thinker involves developing a specific mindset and skillset to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and plan for the future holistically and effectively. Here are some steps you can take to cultivate strategic thinking: Remember that becoming a strategic thinker is a journey that requires intentionality, dedication, practice, and adaptability. Over time, you’ll…

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A 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…

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When 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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Financial 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…

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Harmony 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…

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