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
Understanding Human Behavior and AI in Banking
Most of my banking clients consider predicting human behavior to be crucial to their success. It’s an essential part of our risk management and strategic planning. Historically, understanding what your competitors, clients, and even regulators might do has helped us navigate the complex financial landscape. This concept, which some philosophers like
Unfair Advantage: The Rise of AI
I want to write about something becoming increasingly relevant in community banking: The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative and professional/banking work. Embracing AI can give you a significant advantage over your larger, slower-moving competitors. Many pundits are voicing concerns about the speed and cost-effectiveness of AI-generated content. They argue
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
Building Strong Leaders: A Guide to Leadership Development
Talented employees are probably walking out your door right now because they can’t stand their boss. Or their manager expects too much from them. Or maybe they want to leave a sinking ship, disillusioned by the company’s leadership and direction. And it’s your job to fix it. A monumental task? Yes.
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
Cultures of Accountability
Building a culture of accountability within your organization starts with leadership. As a leader, you must first hold yourself accountable before you can expect it from your team. This involves setting clear, achievable goals and providing transparent, constructive feedback. Creating an environment where everyone understands what is expected of them
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
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!