Overdue Revolution in Community Banking
The idea of empowerment is associated with the notion that we can take control of our lives and create something great. Unfortunately, only a few people think about creating work or taking responsibility for their success in life. People often associate this thinking with introspection and self-reflection rather than action.
Quickly and Well: The Art of Decision-Making
Leadership often comes down to decision-making. Decisions happen all the time, everywhere, in every business. Your people make them every day. It occurs in your job, on the interstate, and whether you’re a banker, cop, fireman, or parent. Everything is about decision-making. News Flash: you can train your people to make
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
Skilled Talent Tsunami: A “Just-in-Time” Discussion for Forward-Thinking Senior Execs
In the fast-paced world of community banking, staying ahead requires more than keeping up with regulations and technological advancements. It's also about securing the right talent to lead your organization into the future. As senior executives, you’re already feeling the pressure of an escalating skills shortage that impacts not only
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 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
The Resistance and Immunity to Change
In Steven Pressfield’s book, “The War of Art,” he talks about ‘Resistance’ as the collective term for the internal psychological barriers we all face—fear, self-doubt, complacency and old habits that once served us but now hold us back. This concept is critical when coaching community banks, where transforming into a