When everyone is willing to work together and no one is trying too hard to be the star, or at least think they are, it makes everything run more smoothly whether it's a sports team, a magazine or a credit union. Do your part, trust your teammates to do theirs, and some substitutions may be necessary.

So how do you foster a team environment at your credit union? While there is a hierarchy in every organization, with good reason, the top-down decisions need to start by asking bottom-up questions. Ask your tellers what they hear from members about particular products or services. Not only that, though, ask staff what would make them more efficient at their job, whether it be a new piece of software or something as simple as a new desk chair.

When a staffer makes a suggestion and it is ultimately implemented it not only makes them feel like they are contributing to the overall organization. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment and, hopefully, pride of ownership that pushes them to work harder to better themselves. That not only helps boost self-esteem but can also create the foundation for a better employee.

And, I think it's important to help employees feel a part of something larger than themselves, aka a team.

Regular training or educational opportunities are important to keeping staff interested and feeling they are learning something that can advance their careers. It's a great opportunity to cultivate the next leaders of the credit union while also reinvigorating staff that may be burned out by the daily grind.

While we're all adults working in the financial services field, training does not have to be stuffy and dry. Make it into a game or contest because when people enjoy being together, even if it's strictly in the work environment, they're more likely to hang around. After all, the full-time staff sees their fellow employees more than their own families.

Holding an all staff meeting, particularly for those far-flung credit unions, is a good idea. It helps the employees put a face with a name when they contact the IT desk looking for help or a human resources issue arises. A company dinner or ice cream social after the meeting can help everyone get to know each other in a bit less formal setting.

For those that might have difficulty with logistics, online meetings might have to do.

Again, this is crucial to building a team and demonstrating to staff that others are relying on them to do their jobs. Not only are their positions important cogs in the well-oiled machinery that is a credit union or other organization–which can seem a bit esoteric–but it is critical to other positions filled by people who need to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads with their jobs.

I truly believe that attitude and hard work account for 75% of any job well done. Skills, for the most part, can be taught and developed over time.

P.S. My best friend's sister plays on a volleyball team with me today.

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