org structure
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 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 MoreIs Your Org Structure Top-Heavy?
First, let’s understand the impact of a top-heavy organizational structure on a credit union’s effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance, which is critical. Here are the risks a top-heavy organization poses: Addressing a top-heavy organizational structure can be a significant challenge for a new CEO. Still, there are several practical steps to streamlining the organization and creating…
Read MoreFrom an Executive to a Strategist – Changing Perceptions.
One complaint I hear from most CEOs about marketing, lending, and operational executives is, “I need my leadership to be more strategic.” But most executives aren’t sure what that really means, and often, the CEO struggles to explain it. Strategists play a distinct role compared to other executives within an organization. Here are fundamental differences…
Read MoreLeadership Brand – Supercharge Your Career
Have you ever defined your leadership brand? If you haven’t, now is the time. The process is simple but deliberate and does not happen overnight. It is a hero’s journey, so expect multiple opportunities to learn from your mistakes and to rely heavily on allies. Why is Your Brand Journey Important? It Enhances Your Credibility…
Read MoreFacing Career Disruption?
Career disruption creates anxiety. It presents itself in many forms: you feel your influence is waning, there is a potential for layoffs, the company’s performance is missing targets, or layoffs have been announced. These palatable disruptions often cause you to become fearful, more risk-averse, or even to try to become invisible. You should do the…
Read MoreIs Your Org Structure Shackling Strategic Success?
Credit unions need to see their organizational structure as an organism, NOT a hierarchy. Innovation and adaptability reign supreme in credit unions. Being locked into a legacy organizational structure in a cross-functional, cross-silo operating environment often stifles short and long-term success. While these structures may have served the credit union well in the past, they…
Read MoreYou Are a New Executive in a Credit Union, Onboard Yourself First!
Joining a credit union as a CEO, EVP, SVP, or VP is exciting yet challenging. As an executive leader, your role is pivotal in driving the credit union’s strategies, mission, vision, values, growth, and member satisfaction. It is rare to find a credit union with a disciplined process to onboard executives, which, by the nature…
Read MoreFeeling Pressure for a Hasty Executive Hiring Decision?
Recently, I have observed several credit unions make hiring mistakes for key executives, including CEOs. The disruption these “hasty hires” cause is palatable. In one situation, a CEO who lacked the strategic mindset the credit union needed was hired. In another, there was a significant skill gap; they hired a “finance person” when they needed…
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