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
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 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
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
Come Together This Holiday Season
As we enter this Christmas season, it's important to embrace the values that have stood the test of time. First and foremost, let's remember the importance of coming together as a community. Just like how our neighborhoods used to rally around each other, we should provide support and assistance to our
How To Avoid Leadership Burnout
As leaders, we all worry about burnout in those we serve; burnout in our people. How often do we give any thought to our burnout? Keep in mind if you burn out, the whole team suffers. There is rarely anyone to replace you. Here are some things to consider to
Change Your Game
Awareness precedes choice and choice precedes change which then determines results. Thus, enhancing your awareness and ultimately your results, is essential to becoming a capable leader. It is how you start to effectively change your game. Become aware that when you commit to doing something, your “current” self is making a
Your Inner Critic
We all cultivate a voice inside our heads that criticizes, chastises, and judges us and what we do, no matter what it is.