Managers: The Vital Heartbeat in Credit Unions

In the intricate ecosystem of a credit union, the manager’s role is indispensable and multifaceted. While their primary duty may seem to be ensuring tasks are completed efficiently, the truth is far more complex. Managers are the linchpins of organizational success, balancing operational excellence with people-centric leadership. Their impact extends beyond task management to shaping…

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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.…

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An Engaged Team is Vital to Member Engagement

An Engaged Team = An Engaged Member In today’s competitive financial landscape, credit unions continuously seek ways to differentiate themselves from traditional banks. One of the most compelling differentiators is the relationship credit unions foster with their members. Member engagement, which goes beyond conventional customer service, is at the heart of this, and its success…

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Mitigating the Risks of Open Banking

Part 2 Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) recently faced a lawsuit centered on using artificial intelligence (AI) in its customer service operations. The lawsuit highlighted several critical issues, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency. This incident underscores the broader risks associated with adopting advanced technologies, such as AI, within the framework of open banking.…

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Serving Members as an Act of Stewardship

Several years ago, I worked with Dale Turner, now CEO at TruStone Financial Credit Union. As the VP of Lending, he stood at the podium of an all-staff meeting and challenged the entire credit union to “think for the member, don’t just respond to the member.” Dale had the wisdom to know the difference between…

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Leaders, 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…

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Is 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…

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The Friction Paradox – Compliance vs User Experience

Friction /?frikSH?n/ noun – Any unnecessary obstacles users encounter while interacting with banking products or services. These manifest in various forms, including cumbersome account opening procedures, complex loan applications, processes that are not aligned or consistent from channel to channel, or outdated digital interfaces. While some friction is essential for security and regulatory compliance, excessive…

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