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
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
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
Stronger Communities: A Call to Community Bank Leaders
When you think about your bank’s position in your local communities, here’s something to consider. When you think about the leadership challenges in community banking across America, you’re faced with an issue that demands your utmost attention and strategic thinking. The health and prosperity of your local communities are deeply
The Balance Between Perfection & Progress in Community Banking
In the community banking world, where trust and reliability are the cornerstones of every decision, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. But as surprising as it may seem, perfection and mediocrity can both be hiding places—places where leaders avoid the real work of making decisions
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
The Value of Proactive Leadership in Preventing Crises
In the fast-paced world of finance and business, we often celebrate the heroes who step in during crises—the ones who put out fires, stabilize operations, and restore order when everything seems to be falling apart. But as Seth Godin wisely points out in one of his blogs, while running into
Vulnerability
It's easy to think that being decisive, making good decisions, and being tough is all there is to effective leadership. While those traits are important, being tough doesn't mean you shouldn't be open and transparent. Admitting your own mistakes and being clear about your goals is vital. True strength in
Leveraging Collective Wisdom
Learn how tapping into the collective wisdom of a team, more than merely gathering smart people, can foster a culture of innovative thinking and meaningful discussions, leading organizations toward success. Contact me and be on the lookout for the next Notes for Growth!