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
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
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
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
Empowering Women in Community Banking
Breaking Barriers. Building Success. In our journey toward excellence in community banking, leadership transcends the mere management of operations; it embodies the essence of fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is empowered to shine. Despite significant progress towards gender equality, the stark reality is that women in the banking sector continue
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