As an observer of leadership, I have studied numerous profiles of successful credit union CEOs in my more than three decades of industry speaking and consulting.
What makes for great leadership has always sparked interesting discussion. Are leaders born with innate qualities or can effective leadership be taught, learned and earned? This is a very important business issue, since recent American employee surveys indicate that half of workers are unhappy because of "not being valued" due to indifferent, weak and apathetic organizational leadership. In addition, the respect of corporate and political leadership has fallen to all time lows due to ineptness or unethical practices and behaviors.
Since there is a presidential election coming up in 2016 and the American electorate is being inundated with candidate platforms and promises, I wondered, what if everyone involved in the credit union voted for their next CEO?
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With that scenario in mind, I would like to share with you my campaign pitch for being the next CEO of your credit union.
As a new age CEO leader, this is how I would be mind-mapping in preparing to lead your credit union:
I want to be in the CEO position because along with the staff and board team, we have an incredible opportunity to improve the financial experiences and lives of thousands of consumer members.
Our mantra is, "purpose, passion and service will lead to profit!"
I possess a blend of professional experiences and personal values of serving and can craft a clear vision for what the credit union can be in the community it serves – the financial institution of first choice in providing exceptional service and value to the members.
These goals can be achieved successfully if we focus on a few critical things.
First, all who serve must focus and have a passion for the member above all. Becoming a "member-centric" credit union is paramount in maintaining the credit union competitive edge in the financial services marketplace.
Second, all in the credit union organization must serve with a higher calling purpose. All staff – front line, back office and managerial – will all work together with a shared people helping people philosophy of serving the member.
Third, our credit union and industry must demand and embrace innovation. New forms of utilizing technology to serve members, become more efficient as an organization, and creating new products and methods for serving the new needs of members must be embraced to move the credit union forward.
Successful leaders know turning these concepts into reality is what leads to better performance, world class service and earning long-term member loyalty. And making a difference in members' lives and the community through socially responsible activities really distinguishes us credit unions from the rest.
Now, can I count on your vote to be your next CEO?
In addition, below are my talking points on being an effective credit union leader:
- Love yourself, love your people, love your credit union, love your members!
- Always seek out challenges and new opportunities to grow your business.
- Be an inspiration to yourself and others.
- Model the behavior you expect.
- Focus on quality and supreme member service.
- Value diversity in your people and members.
- Cherish the abilities people bring to the credit union workplace.
- Leaders have to keep growing and learning.
- Have a passion for what you do in serving at all times!
John A. Vardallas is founder/CEO of TheAmericanBoomeR.com. He can be reached at 608-577-8707 or [email protected].
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