Addressing Low Morale: Identifying the Root Causes in the Credit Unions

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Reflect on the Causes of Morale Deterioration Low morale in a credit union is often a symptom of deeper issues. To effectively improve morale, leaders must first identify and address the underlying causes. Here’s a condensed guide to understanding these key factors: Low morale signals deeper organizational issues that need to be addressed. By reflecting on and tackling these root causes, leaders can foster a more positive and productive credit union, leading to a more engaged and resilient team. Are you a Follower or a Trailblazer in Banking? Click to watch this video, where we explore the concept of being a follower versus being a trailblazer in the banking industry. We discuss how every staff member can lead without a formal leadership title.

Leadership in Credit Unions: The Crucial Role of Being Accessible

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The Hidden Cost of the Inaccessible Leader The role of a senior leader or branch manager often comes with a packed schedule and high-level responsibilities. However, amid these demands, it’s crucial not to overlook one key aspect of effective leadership: accessibility.  Being present and approachable isn’t just a nicety; it’s a necessity for fostering a productive and motivated workforce. When leaders make themselves accessible, they send a powerful message to their teams: “I’m here, and I care about what’s happening on the ground.” This presence helps build trust and opens lines of communication, allowing frontline staff to share insights, ask questions, and voice concerns.  Accessibility is about being available to provide the necessary guidance and reassurance that everything is on track. It also plays a vital role in boosting productivity. When employees know they can approach their leaders with challenges or for quick answers, it keeps the workflow smooth and efficient. A leader who is frequently seen and engaged is more in touch with the daily operations, leading to better decision-making and a more cohesive team. The Fine Line: Accessibility vs. Micromanagement It’s important to clarify that accessibility does not equate to micromanagement. While accessible leaders create an environment where team members feel supported, micromanagers often do the opposite by stifling creativity and independence. Accessibility is about being there when needed without hovering over every detail. It’s about empowering your team to operate autonomously while knowing that you’re available for support when challenges arise. The key is balance. As a credit union leader, you should strive to be approachable and visible without interfering in every minor task. This balance allows employees to grow in their roles, confident in the knowledge that their leader is there for guidance, not control. Common Traps Leading to Inaccessibility Even the most well-intentioned leaders can become inaccessible. Often, busy schedules, a focus on high-level strategy, or an over-reliance on digital communication can create a disconnect from the day-to-day realities of frontline staff. Credit union leaders may unintentionally send the signal that they are too busy or too distant to be approached. To avoid this trap, it’s essential to be intentional about accessibility. Simple actions like scheduling regular check-ins, maintaining an open-door policy, or spending time on the floor with employees can make a big difference. These practices ensure that you remain connected to your team, fostering a culture of openness and trust. Accessibility is a cornerstone of effective leadership in any organization, but especially in the credit union sector, where the pace is relentless, and the stakes are high. By being present and approachable, senior leaders and branch managers can foster a more engaged, productive, and motivated workforce.  Take the time to assess your accessibility and make the necessary adjustments to ensure you’re truly in touch with your team’s needs. The results will speak for themselves. Tips for Credit Union Staff to Overcome Procrastination Learn how to overcome procrastination by addressing fear and discomfort. Watch this video for practical strategies to boost productivity and improve member satisfaction at your credit union.

Mastering Delegation: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Assigning the Wrong Task

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Are You Assigning the Wrong Tasks to the Right People? Delegation is a cornerstone of great leadership, yet it’s one of the most misunderstood and misapplied skills. Every leader knows they can’t do it all, but the challenge lies in how we delegate. Often, in our desire to see things done right, we turn to our best people. We trust them, we know their capabilities, and it seems like the obvious choice.  But here’s the thing – sometimes, our best person might be the wrong person for the task. Delegation is more than just passing off work. It’s an opportunity to build your team, to invest in their growth, and to free yourself to focus on what only you can do. When you delegate effectively, you’re not just getting tasks done; you’re developing leaders. Every task is a chance to shape someone’s skills, to stretch their potential, and to prepare them for greater responsibility. Within your credit union, where every decision carries weight, how you delegate can impact your branch’s success. But let’s be honest – delegation is hard. It requires discernment, and it requires a deep understanding of your people. You must know not just what they can do, but what they should do. The Trap of Relying on Our Best People It’s easy to fall into the habit of handing important tasks to your top performers. They’ve proven themselves time and again. They’re reliable, efficient, and capable. But here’s the problem – when you consistently rely on your best people, you risk overloading them. Even more, you might be missing the chance to grow other members of your team. Imagine this: You’ve got a top member service supervisor who always delivers. But you assign them a task that, while critical, doesn’t play to their strengths or develop their skills in a new direction. They’ll get it done, no doubt. But was that the best use of their time and talent? And what about the new member service representative (MSR) who never got the chance to rise to the occasion? Delegation isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about effectiveness. The right task to the right person at the right time can transform a team. But when we misplace our trust, even in the most well-meaning way, we can stifle potential and strain our best people. How to Delegate with Wisdom Effective delegation begins with knowing your team – not just what they’ve done, but what they’re capable of doing. It’s about seeing beyond the obvious and recognizing the potential in each person. Instead of defaulting to your top performer, ask yourself: “Who needs this challenge? Who has the skills, or the potential to develop the skills, to handle this task?” Take the time to match tasks with the person who will not only execute them well but who will also grow from the experience. This may mean giving a stretch assignment to someone less experienced or redistributing tasks to prevent burnout in your star players. Remember, your goal is to build a team that gets better with each task. Delegation is an art, and like any art, it requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes. As leaders, our challenge is to see beyond the immediate task and to think long-term about the growth of our people and the success of our team. How can your credit union get things done right, by the right people, in the right way? So, the next time you’re faced with a task to delegate, pause. Consider who really needs that assignment, who will grow from it, and who will execute it with excellence. By doing so, you’re not just delegating, you’re leading. Cultivate Courage for Positive Change Embrace fear and cultivate courage at your credit union. Watch this video for practical tips for advocating for members, embracing workplace changes and overcoming challenges with integrity.

Transforming Credit Union Leadership: From Managing to Leading

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The Shift from Managing to Leading Credit Unions Leadership is more than just overseeing tasks; it’s about inspiring your team, guiding them toward success, and creating an environment where they feel valued and motivated.  While management often focuses on control and supervision, true leadership is embraced because it empowers and uplifts. To help you shift from managing to leading, here are the most important questions to ask yourself: Question: Do I approach my team with a mindset of empowerment rather than control? Your attitude sets the tone for your team. By focusing on empowerment, you create a positive environment where team members feel encouraged to contribute their best. Question: Am I helping my credit union see change as an opportunity for growth? Change can be unsettling, but it’s also a chance for innovation. As a leader, your role is to guide your team through transitions with clarity and optimism. Question: Am I willing to make difficult decisions and support my team through challenges? Leadership requires courage, especially when the path forward isn’t easy. Your credit union looks to you for strength and confidence in tough times. Question: Do I encourage my team to take smart risks and learn from their experiences? Innovation comes with risk. By fostering a safe space for calculated risks, you empower your team to think creatively and grow from their successes and failures. Question: Am I transparent and open in my communication within the credit union? Clear and honest communication builds trust. Make sure your team knows they can come to you with ideas, questions, and concerns. Question: Do I truly understand the strengths, goals, and challenges of my team members? Knowing your team on a personal level helps you lead more effectively. When you understand what drives each member, you can align their work with their strengths and aspirations. Question: Am I fully committed to my team’s success and well-being? Your dedication as a leader is reflected in your actions. Consistent, reliable leadership builds a culture of loyalty and mutual respect. Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about creating an environment where your team feels empowered, supported, and motivated. By asking yourself these key questions and reflecting on your approach, you can move from simply managing your credit union to truly leading them, and that’s where the real success begins. Building Stronger Member Connections   Want to learn effective strategies for handling member objections? Discover tips for recognizing resistance, showing empathy and turning challenging moments into positive member experiences. Watch Video

Balancing Effective Leadership in Credit Unions

Trust, Likability, and the Hero’s Path In the grand game of credit union leadership, the age-old question persists: Is it more important to be liked or believed in? Both traits are significant, but their impact on leadership effectiveness can vary. Trust is the bedrock of effective leadership. Without it, you might as well be herding cats in a thunderstorm. Trust fuels team performance and loyalty, transforming a group of individuals into a cohesive unit. Think about it: Would you follow a leader who promises the moon but delivers a soggy sandwich? Not likely. Building trust requires consistent actions that align with your words. Show your team that you mean business by setting clear expectations and following through. And hey, maybe stop over-promising on things you can’t deliver. Nobody likes a soggy sandwich. On the flip side, being likable can make your leadership journey a whole lot smoother. Likability enhances communication and fosters a positive work environment. People are more likely to engage with and support a leader they genuinely like. But here’s the kicker: Focusing too much on being liked can turn you into a pushover. No one respects a leader who’s too busy trying to be everyone’s best friend. So, find that sweet spot where your team enjoys your company but still knows who’s boss. Think of it as being the fun parent, but with the authority of a seasoned drill sergeant. Can Leaders Have Both? Balancing trust and likability are challenging but not impossible. Authenticity is your secret weapon. Be genuine in your interactions, and your team will see you as both trustworthy and likable. Lead with integrity, communicate openly, and show empathy. It sounds simple, but if it were easy, we wouldn’t have so many leaders out there crashing and burning. Take a moment to reflect on your leadership style. Are you the trusted guide, the likable ally, or the dreaded office ghost who nobody really knows or cares about? Reflect on the following: Remember, actions speak louder than words, so stop pontificating and start demonstrating. Whether it’s rolling up your sleeves during crunch time or owning up to your mistakes, your team is watching and taking notes. Be the leader they aspire to be like. Self-Reflection Leadership Assessment Explore more about your effectiveness as a leader by taking a self-reflection assessment. This assessment will provide invaluable insights into your strengths in the critical areas of trust and likability. Self-Reflection Leadership Assessment: Trust & Likability Evaluation

7 Team Dynamics Amplified: Cultivating Strong Bonds

At your credit union, unity is the key element that transforms individual efforts into harmonious collaboration. Just as a well-timed bassline can elevate a song to new heights, a synchronized team can propel an organization toward its goals with unbelievable momentum.   So, let’s delve into the importance of building strong bonds within your credit union. Here are 7 tips for crafting a symphony of team success: 1) Talk openly and listen well – Genuine connections are built on mutual trust and respect. Take the time to get to know each other beyond the surface level. Share personal stories, interests, and experiences to foster a sense of camaraderie and understanding.  2) Keep checking in – When you stop checking in regularly, communication barriers can emerge, which leads to misunderstandings, conflicts, and decreased collaboration. Whether it’s through quick catch-up meetings, informal chats during breaks, or collaborative work sessions, be mindful to keep these channels open to share ideas, provide support, and address any issues or challenges as a team. 3) Don’t expect too much and stay flexible – It is important to accept yourself and your colleagues just as they are right now. Like in personal relationships where things change over time, the same happens with colleagues. Instead of wishing things stayed the same, it’s better to understand that people and relationships evolve. Embracing these changes helps build better connections at work.  Note well: This does not mean to lower your expectations or have none at all. What it does mean is to be present, in the moment with your relationships. This goes not just for business relationships but personal ones as well. 4) Perform regular maintenance – Maybe these sound familiar: Even the strongest teams are prey to some common pitfalls. The faster you address a problem, the quicker the team can get back on course.       5) Give each other room to breathe – We all need space and autonomy to recharge, reflect, and focus on our tasks without feeling suffocated or micromanaged by our colleagues. By giving space for creativity and personal development, teams can come together stronger and more energized, leading to greater productivity and success. 6) Lift each other up in victory – Whether it’s smashing project deadlines, surpassing new loan goals or membership targets, or simply conquering a tough week, celebrate these wins as a team. Embrace the camaraderie and boost morale by acknowledging and honoring each other’s achievements. This strengthens team bonds and fuels the drive for future success. 7) Forge a culture of teamwork –  Encourage collaboration by providing opportunities for colleagues to unite on projects and initiatives. Through open communication, idea-sharing, and mutual support, cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.  Building strong bonds within your team is like cranking the volume up to 11—it’s essential for igniting collaboration, boosting productivity, and rocking out in a positive work environment. Tune into the rhythm of authentic connection, blast out open communication, and riff on collaboration.  Lead by example and let your team know that you’re ready to jam together. When you hit those high notes of success, crank up the amps and celebrate like rockstars.  Rock on. Empathy in Leadership Self-AssessmentWant to learn more? Winning starts with understanding; the more you know, the stronger you become. Download the Empathy in Leadership Self-Assessment.

Climbing the Ladder of Self-Confidence

Climbing the Ladder for self-confidence

What qualities make a great credit union leader?  Most often, we hear integrity, vision, strategic thinking, and clear communication. Some may even say empathy, compassion, integrity, charisma, delegation, and even empowerment. But, to ensure any of these are effective requires a high degree of self-confidence.  Note well: There’s a clear difference between confidence and arrogance. Self-confidence is about a grounded awareness of both personal strengths and weaknesses while having faith in one’s capacity to lead and inspire others.  Think of self-confidence like a well-built bridge. For you (or others) to trust and cross over that bridge, it needs stable and resilient support beams. That’s what self-confidence provides – a solid foundation for one’s capabilities to lead effectively.  The Mindset Lens The clarity of a camera lens affects the sharpness of an image. Similarly, the clarity of our mindset determines how accurate we perceive reality. Clarity allows us to see possibilities and solutions. When we allow things to be cloudy, it skews our perception. The Belief Compass Beliefs are a compass that guides us through uncharted waters. Our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world influence the directions we choose. Strong beliefs steer us forwards. Limiting beliefs act as a faulty compass, leading us off course. Self-awareness and self-confidence are closely linked. To boost your self-confidence, you need to have an accurate and honest perception of yourself. It means recognizing emotional triggers, understanding reactions to situations, and being mindful of your emotions. To enhance interpersonal skills, it’s important to understand how your actions and behaviors impact others.  Boosting self-confidence is a journey, not a destination. To grow, here are five tips you can start today:

Dreams to Reality: Guiding Your Leadership Aspiration

Dream to Reality

Peeling back the layers of your ambitions as a credit union leader, there’s one fundamental principle that we must embrace: The moment of absolute certainty never arrives. What a way to begin an article on aspiration! But assuming otherwise is folly.   To dream is to engage in a process of envisioning possibilities. Dreaming allows us to explore what could be – not what is or will be, and that can be hard for many people to grasp. Growth and transformation bring forth challenges and opportunities. As a credit union leader, it’s important to embrace ambiguity and to see it as a catalyst for innovation rather than a barrier to progress. How often do we say to ourselves or about our credit union: Why do we say, “we can’t” in the first place? Too often we are holding out for things to change without the proactive efforts that are needed to get us there in the first place. As a result, your credit union can become stagnant and fall behind more agile competitors. Building resilience in the face of uncertainty is essential for next level leadership at your credit union. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. Couple that with adaptability, and your mind shifts to view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as indicators of failure.  When it comes to realizing your aspirations, setting goals is essential; however, taking decisive action is what ultimately transforms lofty ambitions into tangible progress. Remember, it’s not about waiting for the perfect moment, but seizing the opportunities that present themselves along the way.  So, let’s change those “we can’t” notions into empowering affirmations: Your aspirations are grounded in purpose and meaning, and in times of uncertainty, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged. Uphold your values as non-negotiables. As you progress through your leadership journey, inspire others to dream, aspire, and act. After all, leadership isn’t just about your personal success but about uplifting those around you.

Mastering the Art of Effective Credit Union Management

When business development, credit administration, and funding management are all in alignment, things seem to hum along at your credit union. But have you found times when the organization seems to be drifting? Maybe you’ve even experienced tension among departments. Perhaps your teams feel they are competing for resources, they are misaligned on risk or have differing priorities. It doesn’t matter if you are a senior manager or a lower-level manager at the credit union; your success hinges on your team’s ability to achieve its goals. Aligning strategies with organizational needs is paramount.  So, how can you bring things back into alignment?  Clear and explicit communication forms the bedrock of effective credit union management. Integrating the vision and mission into daily meetings ensures that the team remains focused on the task at hand. It’s not about having numerous meetings, but rather making them more effective. You should champion open communication in daily stand-up meetings, department meetings, board meetings, and staff meetings – reinforcing the organization’s direction and strategy. One of the most common pitfalls, however, is conceiving a strategy without effective design – mapping the processes that bring the vision to life. By guiding teams through the intricacies of strategy implementation, leaders can ensure a cohesive approach toward shared goals. Think of your role as the conductor orchestrating a symphony, where every instrument and every note is playing in harmony toward a shared crescendo of success. But where would your musicians be without sheet music? Give your team the sheet music for success. Leaders must also navigate the fine line between fostering connections and being overbearing. Recognizing universal problems and intervening when issues impact larger groups or multiple departments is essential.  On the other hand, challenges with individuals may require having an employee “sink or swim,” where a leader gives the employee a chance to learn from mistakes and grow. Immediate resolution is necessary, however, when one team member significantly impacts another’s work.  So, here’s the important question for you: Can you tell when to step in and when to stay out? Identifying the team’s needs and adjusting leadership styles accordingly is a hallmark of effective credit union management. Whether it’s building trust, championing change, or enhancing communication, great leaders tailor their styles to the specific needs of their organization. Now, you may view it as a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” approach to leadership, but it isn’t. There are times when you need to be enthusiastic, happy, and positive. There are other situations where you need to be more serious and button-upped.  These are natural approaches to situations. It’s when we try to make things lighthearted when they clearly shouldn’t be, or we make a huge deal out of something minor that we truly appear and feel out of character. It’s about making sure that what you are focused on right now is the right fit (and tone) for what your organization needs most. As a manager, be wary of task saturation at your credit union. Of course, you are looking out for your team, but make sure you are looking out for yourself. It’s easy to fall in the trap of doing menial tasks when you should be leading your team.  Delegating tasks and focusing on your management role allows you to navigate gaps effectively. To stay at the forefront of effective management, you should dedicate a minimum of two hours each week for continuous learning, so you can become a more dynamic leader. Yes, do it for yourself so that you are in a better position to foster a culture of growth within the credit union.  Mastering the art of effective management requires a holistic approach, and yes, there’s quite often a lot on your plate. Note well: It is perfectly acceptable to step away from the constant activity and pressure of your role to gain mental clarity. To be a great manager means having better emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness.  Taking a pause doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities. It’s about understanding that you are not a machine, and prioritizing your well-being leads to more effective leadership.

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Mandy Garman headshot

Mandy Garman

Graphic Designer

Meet Mandy, one of YMC’s in-house Graphic Designer phenoms! Honing her craft from an early age, Mandy constantly strives to innovate design and refine her artistic techniques. An avid believer in “quality over quantity,” she feels right at home with YMC’s focus on details and dedication to providing unique strategies. In fact, her marketing philosophy reflects this drive for excellence and commitment to substantial work, “Brand consistency is key for all marketing materials. Also, I believe less is more in graphic design. White space is your friend, and the logo does not always need to be the main focal point.”

A Nashville native, Mandy is intimately familiar with the profound effects of great art and stellar design. Especially influenced by the city’s music scene, one of her lifelong ambitions – besides trips to Italy and Japan – is to professionally create album covers. When she isn’t practicing her craft, you might catch her out and about enjoying matcha boba tea or at her favorite dining establishment: Mas Tacos. That, or obsessing over her Persian cat, Benny!

Reh Harvey

Vice President of Digital Strategy

Reh Harvey, our Vice President of Digital Strategy, leads with diligence and fervor. Having previously been a member of Team YMC, he is excited to return to such an amazing culture and even more amazing people (his words)! Through his experience in the marketing world, he’s found the key to success is to stay on the cutting edge and to always keep evolving.
 
Although originally drawn to marketing for its lack of math, Reh now finds himself doing more math than he would’ve bargained for. But his self discipline and positive attitude make it easy for him to laugh and take it in stride. Hoping to one day visit Japan and enjoy some premium Sushi, Reh lives life by his creed: Be a good human. Do good work. And above all, just keep going.

Hailey Madej

Graphic Designer

As YMC’s in-house Graphic Designer, Hailey possesses an eye for detail and a drive to innovate. It’s no surprise though since being creative runs in the family! Inspired from an early age by her mom’s work as a Graphic Designer, Hailey is a seasoned expert whose talents bring vitality and accessibility to every project. As a UX/UI designer, she expertly blends the intuitive and the creative for all to enjoy.
 
In addition to the occasional freelance project, Hailey also lends her abilities to supporting art initiatives within her community, such as the Belleville Mural Project. Her favorite aspect of joining the YMC team is the friendly, uplifting culture and breadth of design tasks. When it comes to marketing, she believes in pushing boundaries and maybe breaking some rules to capture her audience’s attention. Her advice to those just starting out? “Always seek quality over quantity.”

Dexter Ochoa

Development Assistant

When it comes to blending logical thinking and creative problem solving, Dexter’s abilities are undeniable! Beginning his career as a Web Developer, he’s no stranger to the wide world of Marketing and Advertising. Calling Biñan City in the Philippines home, Dexter has a burning desire to visit the Alpine peaks and valleys of Switzerland. While that journey may be far off, he is still no stranger to international travel. While visiting Japan, he was able to enjoy his favorite delicacy: Sushi and Sashimi. He also learned unexpected facts about Japanese Yen, specifically that it has special markings for the blind to know its value!

Whether he’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or the occasional Pale Pilsen in the evening, Dexter is eager to work with the talented professionals of YMC, and we’re just as eager to add his talent to the team as well! His marketing words of wisdom? “Be creative, and just do what you want!”

Andrew Wyche

Copywriter

Hailing from the NC state capital (that’s Raleigh if you didn’t know), Andrew is YMC’s Copywriter extraordinaire. That’s why he knows that “The verb form of ‘reconnaissance’ is ‘reconnoiter.’ The former is, strictly speaking, a noun.” Seriously, he knows his words and he’ll use those words to get bold and weird (in a good way) with his copy. Fuelled by a love for pasta, shellfish, a good single malt, or a meal consisting of all three, Andrew navigates life with a motto engraved in his heart: “Choose kindness. Always.” It is this guiding principle that has led him to explore the realm of marketing, driven by a desire to connect with people in meaningful ways. As he continues to chase his dreams, one bucket list item stands out above the rest – a pilgrimage to Scotland. With his heart set on adventure and his pen poised for creativity, Andrew’s journey is far from over.

Alex VanHaasteren

Senior Web Developer

Alex is YMC’s Senior Web Developer and, as the title suggests, she is an absolute pro! While she initially started in graphic design – working long and hard to expertly bring concepts to life – she also felt drawn to technology and applying her natural ability to problem solve. Web Development proved the perfect blend of her creative passion and technical savvy.

When Alex is out with friends – including her YMC colleagues – she’s up for Greek cuisine or some good pulled pork BBQ washed down with Diet Coke. Or an Old Fashioned, if the occasion demands. Someday, she hopes to go to Africa on a safari. Hopefully she’ll see a giraffe in the wild, because – as she’s pointed out – its neck is too short to reach the ground!

When she isn’t jamming out to T-Swift, she’s happy to impart some marketing words of wisdom, “Aim to create something unforgettable.” For day-to-day inspiration, she would remind you of two fundamental truths: You decide your happiness, and Ice cream is its own food group—not just a dessert.

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