Having just returned from NACUSO’s 2011 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, I thought it would be appropriate to share some perspective on current issues and trends that will impact your credit union and its ability to survive and thrive. Gigi Hyland, Board Member, NCUA, spoke about the unprecedented challenge of addressing the worst economic recession […]

Last week I attended a governance conference in New York City.  The primary focus of the meeting was education of directors who serve members and other important stakeholders. The real challenge that CEOs and boards face, is to learn as fast as the world is changing.  This implies a commitment to strengthening our skills to […]

This past year IBM released it fourth edition of their biennial Global CEO Study series entitled,  “Capitalizing on Complexity.”  Over 1500 global CEOs were interviewed in person, throughout 60 countries and across 33 industries.   The insights gained from this study have major implications for how leaders should view strategic planning, valued leadership qualities and decision-making […]

I’ve spent the last two months with clients on the road visiting eight cities in the United States and making two trips to Europe. My meetings stimulated some thoughts that I would like to share with you. Michael Dowling (CEO of North Shore-LIJ) concluded his remarks to our Board retreat last week with the following […]

This past month, I was invited to deliver a leadership presentation to a group of international business students at Stony Brook University at the request of a business colleague I have known for over 25 years.  These exchanges of content are an enduring commitment we make to the community.  Our hope is that the fundamental […]

This past month, I was invited to deliver a leadership presentation to a group of international business students at Stony Brook University at the request of a business colleague I have known for over 25 years.  These exchanges of content are an enduring commitment we make to the community.  Our hope is that the fundamental […]

As the snow from this very harsh winter begins to melt, those of us who are golfers begin the transition from the winter doldrums to a hopeful new season.  One way to prepare your body and your mind is to watch professionals play on televised tournaments.  In analyzing the professional swings, I am always struck […]

On January 25th, 2011, The Credit Union Leadership Forum held its first Web Seminar entitled, “A Practical Perspective: Regulatory Realities”, featuring Paul Peterson, NCUA Associate General Counsel, Teresa Halleck, President & CEO, San Diego County Credit Union and Sarah Snell Cooke, Editor-in-Chief, Credit Union Times and myself. We discussed the practical and real-world implications of […]

Many organizations today should revisit their strategic plan and the process that built the direction.  Strategic planning processes can be delivered in many different ways.  It’s important to align the team, and start the discussion with independent data about customer satisfaction and employee understanding of the plan and mission of the organization. A critical component […]

Directors desire a stronger line of communication with the CEO than is presently acknowledged. Sometimes lack of dialogue is a byproduct of board rules, including requirements for executive sessions without the CEO present. Sometimes it stems from failing to make such conversation a priority. Committing to an intelligent exchange of ideas with your CEO will […]