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:
- We can’t change our processes.
- We can’t compete with large banks.
- We can’t afford to invest in “XYZ.”
- We can’t find qualified talent.
- We can’t take the risk.
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:
- We have the power to evolve and optimize our processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
- Our unique strengths and agility enable us to carve out our niche and thrive alongside larger banks.
- Investing strategically in “XYZ” opens the door to innovation and long-term sustainability.
- By fostering a culture of growth, learning, and inclusivity we attract and nurture top talent.
- We unlock opportunities for breakthrough success by embracing calculated risk.
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.
