The Small Things: A Key to Community Bank Success
As community bank CEOs, you know that the small things really do matter. Overlooking the importance of details in preparation or planning can significantly impact our success. Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the Nuclear Navy, famously said: "The devil is in the details." Rickover's legacy is a testament to the power of
Thoughts on Complaints
In his book, The No Complaining Rule, Jon Gordon emphasizes the power of turning complaints into opportunities. At first glance, complaints can seem like nothing more than whining—a sign of impatience from someone disconnected from the real world. But dismissing complaints outright misses an opportunity. When we don’t hear complaints,
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
Transformational Leadership: Culture & Behavior in Community Banking
In the annals of business history, Alan Mulally’s stewardship of the Ford Motor Company from 2008 to 2014 stands out as a stellar example of effective leadership. His feat of turning around Ford amidst some of the most tumultuous times the automobile industry has ever faced is often hailed as
Unlearning: A Key to Transformative Leadership
In the realm of leadership development, we are on the cusp of recognizing two pivotal trends that we’ve overlooked in our advisory roles with community bankers. Unlearning Old Habits Firstly, there’s a pressing question that looms large: What must community bank leaders and their executive teams shed from their current repertoire to
Maximizing Individual Strengths for Team Success
Our community banking clients often discuss strategy, technology and competition, but at the core, it's all about people. Each person is unique with their own strengths. Marcus Buckingham emphasizes playing to your strengths, and we couldn't agree more. Organizational success comes from empowering each team member to perform at their
Feedback and Recognition
One key insight we bring to banks is the power of feedback in boosting productivity. Often, organizations focus on identifying what's wrong rather than recognizing what's right. Providing strength-based feedback helps employees understand and leverage their unique skills and talents. Continuous, constructive conversations—not just annual reviews—are essential. We encourage our clients
The Role of Purpose and Clarity in Leadership
Uncover the importance of a clear, compelling purpose in steering your team toward success, and how leaders can inspire every decision through consistent, passionate communication. Contact me and be on the lookout for the next Notes for Growth!
Embracing Continuous Learning and Development
Explore how embracing continuous learning and development transcends traditional training in the finance world, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and the ability to learn from mistakes for enduring success. Contact me and be on the lookout for the next Notes for Growth!
Aligning Your Executive Team for Sustainable Growth
In the banking industry, sustainable growth isn't just a goal; it's essential. Community banks, in particular, face unique challenges and opportunities in fostering growth while maintaining their core values and serving their local communities. At the heart of this endeavor lies the alignment of the executive team—a critical factor in