As we go deep into the fourth quarter of this year, I’d like to reflect upon lessons learned as well as thoughts for the new year and beyond. This morning, after Thanksgiving day, I walked through my rose garden. In some strange way, there were still roses in bloom, unlike most species whose leaves and [...]

Successful leaders live by fundamental leadership principles with discipline and focus. They commit to continuous learning and strive to have their behaviors serve as a reflection of their values — setting the standard and expectations for others in your credit union. The CEO’s communication philosophy and actions sets the tone, whether it be openness with [...]

As I reflect on my travels to over 20 cities in 2011, I am struck by a conversation I’d like to share with you.  Upon arriving late one evening in Las Vegas to speak at a credit union conference, I asked the cab driver “how’s business?” I heard a profoundly sad story.  His face is [...]

Our firm recently facilitated the successful merger of two credit unions.  One of the fundamental issues that we focused on was the ability of the post merger team to quickly establish and maintain productive working relationships with employees and the members they serve. From the outset, it was critical to identify people-related risk factors as [...]

Recently I moderated a webinar that is part of the National Association for Corporate Directors (NACD) Boardroom Excellence Series entitled, “Boards and CEOs:  Trust, Transparency and Constructive Tension.   The participants, Kenneth Daly, President and CEO, NACD and The Honorable Kenneth M. Duberstein, Lead Director, The Boeing Company and Director, The Travelers Companies and Conoco-Phillips shared [...]

This week I attended the 34th Annual National Director’s Convention in Las Vegas as a speaker on the topic of “Relentless Strategic  Leadership to Ensure Member Value ”.  The sessions were attended by both directors and CEOs.  The topic most commonly asked in both sessions were concerns about toxic board members who are defined as [...]

This past month, I attended a Deloitte conference hosted by their Center for Corporate Governance, including 1,000 directors across 30 locations, live from New York City.  One of the most important topics and issues discussed is the board’s approach to succession planning. The departure of your CEO is the most important and challenging board responsibility. [...]

Last week I attended a conference in New York City hosted by the National Association of Corporate Directors.  Core to this organization is the belief in education of directors who serve shareholders and other important stakeholders. Here are some directional issues that will redefine standards and behaviors and will require boards to transform their governance [...]

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 [...]