Strategic Planning
Cooperation Among Cooperatives – The credit union Superpower.
While credit unions operate independently, their superpower is their ability to collaborate and cooperate. You will never see a community bank joining its competitor. But credit unions are financial cooperatives; the sixth principle of a cooperative is “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.” By collaborating credit unions will enhance their collective strength and effectiveness in the following ways:…
Read MoreDEIB must be done correctly!
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) has become a buzzword in the corporate world, with many organizations attempting to implement DEIB strategies. However, a feeble attempt at a DEIB strategy can be dangerous for the company and the individuals it aims to support. The first danger of a feeble attempt at a DEIB strategy is…
Read MoreAvoiding bad decisions
Decision-making is essential for any leader, but bad decisions can undermine your influence. One of the causes of poor decisions is cognitive biases. Cognitive biases are thinking patterns that lead people to make irrational or incorrect decisions. They can influence our judgment, perception, and interpretation of information, often without awareness. Cognitive biases can be dangerous…
Read MoreLeaders are required to be decisive, but how?
As a leader, you are called upon to make decisions daily. Whether it’s a small decision that affects only a few people or a significant decision that impacts an entire organization, your ability to be decisive is critical to your success as a leader. Decisiveness is the ability to make a decision quickly and confidently.…
Read MoreFinancial Literacy vs Financial Wellness – a Consumer’s View
Credit unions and banks across the country have financial literacy on their to-do list, but what consumers need/want is a roadmap to financial wellness, not just financial literacy. Well, what’s the difference? Financial literacy is about understanding money basics. Typically the curriculum includes topics like “how to balance your checkbook,” “what is a savings account,”…
Read MoreLonely at the top is a real thing…
The corner office has long been a symbol of success and power. It represents the pinnacle of achievement. However, this coveted workspace has a dark side. At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive that someone with so much authority and responsibility could feel lonely. After all, they have access to the best resources and talent…
Read MoreInnovative is a core value; how do I get there?
Many credit unions I work with have “innovative” in their core values because thriving organizations know innovation is critical to their long-term success. We also know that organizations that fail to innovate risk being left behind in an ever-changing and competitive marketplace. No, it is unlikely that a credit union will become like Apple or…
Read MoreThe Buck Stops Here – How to make sound decisions
Making difficult choices at work can be challenging, especially when the outcome of those decisions can significantly impact the organization and the people it serves. Whether you are a manager or an individual contributor, there are times when you will be faced with difficult choices that require you to consider your options and carefully make…
Read MoreNo Succession Plan? What could go wrong?
Succession planning can be seen as a “nice to have,” but it can wait. Umm, not so much. I was an executive with a credit union when the CEO died suddenly at a legislative breakfast at the state capitol. The disruption, disarray, and sense of fear were overwhelming. Key executives were more worried about their…
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