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 the board or sharing information with employees during challenging periods. Relationships need a foundation of trust. Actions must speak the truth to serve the mission of the credit union more effectively. We have seen the impact that communication has on the implementation of strategies,  whether it's the successful completion of mergers and acquisitions, strengthening or weakening existing member relationships, closing new business deals or engaging team members, employees and boards.

Your actions as a CEO or senior manager create the culture of your credit union. While speaking to a group of senior managers recently, the meeting was supposed to start at 9:15 a.m. The first speaker was late, and we were waiting for the CEO to arrive. The meeting didn't start until 9:30. This communicated the subtle message that it's OK to start meetings late, decreasing creativity, productivity and engagement. The people around the room were well-meaning, smart and ready to go. But not starting on time sets the wrong tone and example. As Arthur Ashe once said, "People are much more impressed by what they see you do, than by what they hear you say." Actions that do not reflect standards are communicated as part of the culture of your credit union, they trickle down and become the new standard of acceptability.