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:

• Am I avoiding necessary but difficult conversations because I want to be liked?
• Do my team members feel comfortable coming to me with bad news?
• Do I make decisions based on what is best for the team, even if it might make me unpopular?
• Am I consistent in my actions and follow through on my commitments?
• Do I seek and act on feedback from my team to improve my leadership?

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