Leadership and Ideas Might Need to Come From Diverse Backgrounds
Credit Unions typically look for leaders, vendors, and employees that come from our industry. While this is definitely advantageous as it insures knowledge of the credit union movement and mission, regulatory compliance issues, what a financial cooperative is, and alignment of a common goal as an industry. However, this thinking can also limit organizations from fresh view points, new ideas, or expertise in areas that credit unions struggle with.
I come from an IT background, have worked in many different industries, and have international work experience. Each position posed different goals, regulatory burdens, business models, cultural differences, and technologies. Some might see that as something that dilutes expertise, but I believe my experiences are strengths as opposed to weaknesses.
I did not know what a credit union was until I was 41 years old and was asked to serve on a board of one. The more I learned about the industry and movement, the more I wanted to learn about it and have a more active role in it. I also witnessed the slow pace at which decisions were made and actions were taken (if any). By no means am I requesting organizations to be irresponsible or act rashly, but rather press for action once clear strategic direction is defined.
I believe that our industry is currently at a crossroads. With the landscape ever evolving in terms of regulations, technologies, competition, mergers, and the list goes on and on, that many institutions are frozen in their desire to either play it safe or find an attractive exit strategy. In most cases, these paths are not in the best interest of the members or support the organization’s founding principles. Swift, but calculated, action in today’s environment is essential for success. “We’ve always done it that way” or “We’re just going to play it safe” will only serve as epitaphs in the future.
A recent article in the Credit Union Times explores the possibility of searching out leadership and opinions from persons from outside our industry or have experiences in diverse areas.
The Leader You Need Might Not Be From Your Industry
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