Leadership requires mutual trust but also the courage to talk the truth. I am surprised when I learn a “leader” is hesitant to have tough conversations about attitude or performance. It is even more shocking when I discover they keep performance files on direct reports discussed at annual or semi-annual performance reviews. Employees have expectations…

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Condoleezza Rice once said, “When you’re in a position of authority, you need truth-tellers around you.” Did she hit the mark? You bet.First, let us agree that one element of leadership is the authority. To be a leader, you must have some authority. This authority isn’t determined by power but by your ability to motivate,…

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I have been very lucky to work for CEOs who understood the principle that leadership is not about doing business as usual but about transforming the organization. Transformation is what differentiates a capable leader from a great leader. Transformational leadership is not easy. It is fraught with risk and reward, angst and celebration, stress and…

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Historically branches are seen as transaction channels. Today, this view of branches has changed and continues to evolve. Members and potential members like the convenience of brick and mortar, they like the demonstration of financial strength and security. Still, the truth is, they rely less on branches for their daily, weekly, and monthly transaction business…

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When leading a team and a decision is needed, what happens? Is it silence or negotiation and debate? Let’s assume that you have assembled the right people for the team; you have the subject-matter experts to be able to make the right decisions. But just having the right experts at the table does not guarantee…

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Often, when you are at a career intersection, whether it is the result of a decision to seek another job, a layoff, or a desire to start a new career, we must first ask, what does your brand say about you today? A personal brand audit is an excellent way to start as you reinvent…

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There are several triggers why you may want to transition to a new leadership style. One trigger might be the organizational needs have evolved, and a unique leadership style is required to move the organization or team to the next level. Maybe you have learned some skills to become a better leader but need to…

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Are you a resolutions person? I’m not a big fan of resolutions. It seems they are just another way to procrastinate what you should have done days, weeks, months, or even years ago. What I prefer to do to celebrate a new year is to evaluate, reinvent, and re-energize my focus and attention. How do…

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Many of us have seen this from afar, some of us from close at hand. The CEO is getting close to retirement and has set a course for the organization of just “drifting off into the sunset.” This syndrome happens when the strategic leader and driver of the credit union have decided to retire but…

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