Leadership Requires INTENTIONAL Active Listening

Good News: Active Listening is a Learned Skill In a fast-paced and increasingly remote and digital world, communication has taken various forms, from texting and email to video calls and social media. With the rapid evolution of our work environment, communication needs to be seen in the prism of the art of active listening. We…

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The Seven Pitfalls of Arrogance in Leadership

If you haven’t already, you will likely experience an arrogant leader. Arrogance is a treacherous leadership failure, often leading to disastrous consequences for the leader and their team. While confidence and assertiveness can be valuable traits for a leader, there’s a fine line between self-assuredness and arrogance. When arrogance shows up in a leader, it…

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Twelve Steps to Bonding with Your Members

Unlike traditional banks, credit unions have a mission to serve their members, not shareholders. This fundamental difference makes building solid and lasting relationships with their members possible. To make members love their credit union, focusing on delivering exceptional service, fostering trust, and offering financial products that meet their needs is essential. Below, I will explore…

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Should YOU Consider a Fractional Executive?

To thrive in today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, credit unions must adapt, innovate, and strategically manage their operations. One innovative solution that credit unions are increasingly turning to is the fractional executive. Fractional executives are experienced professionals who work, typically as contract employees, part-time or on a project basis, to provide specialized expertise and leadership. In…

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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…

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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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