Overcoming Resistance
In the world of community banking, leadership isn’t just about making strategic decisions or managing operations. It's about confronting and overcoming a pervasive and often invisible force—what Steven Pressfield calls "Resistance." This force is a universal adversary that manifests in procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and any form of avoidance that stops
Decision-Making: A Strategic Advantage for CEOs
Ladies and gentlemen, leadership, at its core, often comes down to decision-making. Decisions are the heartbeat of every business. They’re made every day, at every level, from the boardroom to the front lines. Whether you're a banker, a cop, a firefighter,or a parent, decision-making is universal. Here’s a critical insight: you
Redefining Work for a Human-Centered Future
The importance of leadership becomes especially pronounced during times of significant change. As we recognize inherent flaws in our current understanding and implementation of work—highlighted by the alarming statistic that 52% of workers are disengaged—it becomes clear that effective leadership is crucial for navigating this transformation and driving meaning both
Rethinking Options: The Power of “None of the Above”
As community bank CEOs, you’re often presented with multiple-choice decisions, whether it’s about product offerings, strategic initiatives or vendor selections. The options seem straightforward, and someone asks you to choose between them. But what if the best choice is “None of the above”? The real challenge lies not in the options presented
Behind the Numbers: The Energy of Community Banking
Community banking is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about the embodied energy—the trust, relationships and local expertise—that fuels every decision and action you take. Think about something as simple as a can of soda. While it may cost just a few dollars, its true value lies
Staying Focused on What Truly Matters: A Lesson for Community Bank CEOs
In the ever-evolving world of community banking, distractions often pull your focus toward things that seem important but don't truly make an impact. Picture yourself browsing a clearance sale and spotting office chairs that resemble the ones your branch had years ago. Or perhaps you hear about a noisy event
The Best Available Option
In the fast-paced community banking world, the principle espoused by Seth Godin: “the best available option is always available,” holds profound significance. For CEOs, Seth’s mindset fosters a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability, essential for navigating the ever-changing financial landscape. Adopting a Proactive Approach Understanding that the best option is always
The Crisis Paradox in Community Banking
In the world of community banking, a fascinating paradox often emerges: we tend to celebrate those who excel in crisis management while overlooking the quiet effectiveness of those who prevent crises from arising. This insight, inspired by Keith Grint, brings to light a significant issue in our leadership and operational
The Difference Between a Team and a Working Group
In the dynamic world of community banking, understanding the distinction between a team and a working group is crucial for fostering a productive and collaborative environment. While both structures are valuable, they serve different purposes and operate in unique ways. Let’s dive into the key differences between these two concepts. Working
Thriving Functional Teams: Tension, Growth & Productive Discourse
In the dynamic world of functional teams, apologies are not just a formality but a stepping stone to success. Your true power lies in recognizing that missteps are inevitable and that embracing the need for genuine apologies leads to more robust, efficient discussions. Teams that shy away from such moments