New Age Leaders Need Greatness, not Just Goodness

By John A. Vardallas, CAE, CUDE

With all the recent events unfolding in the American business and political sector, perhaps the most concerning isn’t so much the competency of leadership, but rather its ethics. The economic inequality in America is being blamed on the greed of corporate leadership!

What makes a leaders has always sparked interesting discussion. Are leaders born with innate qualities or can effective leadership be taught and learned? This is a very important business issue since recent American employee surveys indicate that half of workers are unhappy because of "not being valued" due to weak organizational leadership.

Are you as good a leader as you think you are? If so, how would your people rate you on some of the following traits or characteristics of effective CEOs. Are you perceived as great or just good?

• a powerful business and people acumen;
• an embracing of diversity;
• the ability to inspire (not motivate) people to achieve;
• a clear vision of the possibilities and the preferred future for their organization;
• ability to build partnerships and alliances;
• being servant leaders to their customers/members;
• a curiosity about the world and a facilitator of change;
• leading more by actions than words;
• ability to utilize technology to achieve business results;
• a risk taker who doesn’t fear innovation or failure;
• the ability to convert the learning of ideas into practice;
• willingness to hire to your weakness;
• ability to develop goals and execute plans; and
• a developer of people--a "human horticulturalist."

I offer the following action steps to inspire you to strive for greatness, not just goodness, in your leadership practices for your credit union:

1) Have a passion for your business philosophy in what you do for your organization's staff, board, members, vendors and the community.

2) Get the right folks in the right seats on your credit union organization bus and give them a license to pursue their passion in serving members.

3) Greatness knows that not embracing innovation is not an option, and great leaders know that if you are not changing you are dying.

Great, not just good effective leadership will be one of the key factors of how credit union success will be measured in the future.

I hope your leadership practices are anchored and reflect the core values of your credit union that will guide your business conduct and inspire greatness in you and your people during this uncertain and challenging economic time in America.

Onward and upward!

John A. Vardallas is a professional speaker/consultant to the Credit Union System and founder/CEO of the Madison, Wis.-based The American Boomer Consulting Group. He can be reached at 608.577.8707.

CUES' 2013 CEO Institutes are sold out. Let Kristin Ryan know if you're interested in attending in 2014.

Learn more about CUES Governance Leadership Institute June 2-5 in Toronto.

7 Steps to a Great Professional Portrait

By Ellen Bartholomew

Last year at CUES' CEO/Executive Team Network™, our new CEO/president, Charles E. Fagan, III, was announced. We needed to get a photo of him for several reasons. We were in the final stages of production for our December issue of Credit Union Management™ magazine and the program book for CUES Symposium 2013: A CEO and Chairman Exchange. Both pieces needed to feature our new CEO.

We thought we could take a "nice" photo at the conference and make it work until we could have a professional photographer do a new one. We were sending one of our graphic/interactive designers to the event. He is well trained in lighting and photography and would use a brand-new, high-end camera and lighting package to capture the event and shoot video footage for us. Surely, he could take a head shot that would work.

In fact, he did get one that worked, but there's more to the story.

Shooting a professional portrait isn’t something any of us at CUES do every day and definitely not ever "on the road." The stars were aligned against our able, onsite designer. Everything we knew we needed for this important shot was unavailable to him at the conference center. The schedule was hectic and there was only a short time available to capture the shot. After scouting around for a location, the only background available was a drab yellow wall. Lighting was difficult, but he got the shot. Later, he did extensive retouching to remove the background and fix the lighting. The image above is the original; the one just below this line is the retouched photo--greatly improved by his talents.

Though this second photo met our immediate needs, we needed to reshoot Chuck’s portrait for several reasons. The most important was that because it was shot under less-than-ideal circumstances, it didn’t portray him as the genuine, approachable person that he is. It lacked personality.

Bottom line: You must plan when taking such a shot. It is very important you get this right, because oftentimes that photo makes your first impression on others. And first impressions are important.

Here are the seven steps I suggest using to get just the right professional portrait for yourself or the executive you're helping. The next (and last) photo in this post is the wonderful one we got when we applied these guidelines.

Step 1: Get a "feeling."
My first meeting with Chuck was important. I needed to know how to present him to the members. First impressions are important but you need to dig deep to find what makes the person tick.

It didn’t take me long with Chuck. In an instant I knew that I needed to help our members see him for the genuine, approachable person he is. In our short first meeting, I could tell why our board had chosen this man. He is unassuming and truly cares about people. The backbone of the credit union spirit. I needed to capture that.

Step 2: Choose a professional commercial/corporate photographer.
Finding a good photographer that is trained in corporate photography is key. They are easy to find and a good photographer will have an online portfolio for you to flip through. Because they are trained and do this every day, they will help you plan the shot and find the right location at your office or credit union. If you decide to shoot at the studio, they will help you choose the correct backdrop. Time is money. They will save you time and show you in your best light. (Pun intended.) It's better not to chance it with a hobby photographer, or someone who shoots only weddings or babies.  

Step 3: Do your homework.
It is helpful to the photographer if you have samples to show them of what you are looking for. If you liked one of their portfolio samples, be sure to share this with them. Don’t limit yourself to their work. Look around at what other people are doing. Collect samples of photos you like and share them with your photographer.

Step 4: Meet with the photographer to plan.
Most photographers will include a pre-shoot meeting. This helps them get a better understanding of what you want and helps them prepare lighting for the shoot. You may want to have the photo taken in your office or in your credit union. Have them visit you and look around. They will need to make sure there is plenty of room to set up lighting in the locations. Share your samples and ideas with them. Be open and listen to their ideas also. Remember, they do this every day.

Plan everything from what to wear to the possibility of having a professional hair and makeup artist available. Be sure to tell your photographer what image you want to portray (the things you discovered in the initial meeting with the photographer or what it is about yourself you want the picture to demonstrate). Choose backgrounds for the shoot or locations in your credit union.  

Step 5: Prepare for the shoot the day before.
Review your wardrobe choices and organize them based on the order of the shots you plann to take. Make sure everything is cleaned, pressed and ready to go. If you have booked a hair and makeup person, oftentimes he or she will help with minor touch-up on clothing (lint brushes, etc.).

Step 6: Arrive early the day of the shoot.
You want to be relaxed and well rested. You would be surprised at what the camera will see. Then relax and smile!

Step 7: Choosing the right shot.
Your photographer will take many shots. Have him or her help narrow down the photos to the best ones. Then have a colleague, friend or family member help choose the final. We are oftentimes too critical of ourselves or not critical enough. Either way it is best to have someone who knows you well help you here.

If you don't already have a great (and current) professional portrait on hand for that next news story or other opportunity to make a strong first impression, what are you waiting for? Follow these steps and you'll find saying "cheese" a pleasure.

Ellen Bartholomew is CUES' art director.

Rudy Giuliani on Leadership

By Barb Kachelski, CAE

“Change requires leadership,” Rudy Giuliani said during the PSCU VIP reception at The Carnegie Library, Washington, D.C., during the Credit Union National Association's Governmental Affairs Conference in March.

Mayor of New York during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Giuliani shared principles of leadership and gave examples from his own life and from history. Here are the first four:

1. Know what you believe. People don't follow people who are confused. Giuliani used Ronald Reagan as an example of this principle. He cut taxes, turned the economy around, and reformed immigration. Giuliani said Reagan led successfully "because he knew what he believed in." Leaders who know what they believe in then know what they can compromise about.
2. Be an optimist. "Life throws problems at you," Giuliani said. "Your success depends upon you facing them." When Giuliani was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his initial reaction was like that of many--he felt sorrow and despair. However, Giuliani opted to change his attitude, viewing the diagnosis as a break! While his father died from the disease, Giuliani felt lucky that he could treat it, live and consider himself fortunate. Leaders take problems, absorb them, and then solve or minimize them, he said.
3. Have courage. Courageous people are not fearless, according to Giuliani. Rather, they overcome their fear. "Every time we grow, there is fear. Great people who do great things have all failed." Giuliani cited Winston Churchill as a leader who failed many times and was ridiculed. Failure will happen, he emphasized. "Don't be afraid of taking risks."
4. Prepare relentlessly. Giuliani used heroes of 9/11 as examples. "Firefighters practice," he said, noting they minimize danger with equipment and training. "What you see when fire is fought is the result of enormous preparation."

"Great leaders care about people," Giuliani emphasized. "It is more important to go to a funeral than a wedding. The bride and groom will have a good time anyway. When things go wrong, you have to be there."

Barb Kachelski, CAE, is CUES' SVP/chief operating officer.

Leadership Lessons to ‘Pack & Take’

By Barb Kachelski, CAE

Changing jobs is a time to take stock. After 23+ years at CUES, I've accepted a new job as executive director of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. While packing up boxes of photos and office paraphernalia, I’ve also been pondering which are the most valuable leadership lessons to “pack and take” on the 7.2-mile trip to the new office.

So please indulge me while I take a trip down memory lane and highlight what I’ve learned from just a handful of the great leaders I’ve known. (CUES board and staff members, I’m limiting this list to retirees or people who have passed away!)

Leo Budde, my dad–Dad was born on a dairy farm and worked in the dairy industry his whole life. When I decided to major in English in college, and fretted that I might not find a job when I graduated, he told me, "The cream always rises to the top." (In other words, "Calm down. If you are good, people will notice and you’ll find work you enjoy.")

Then … And Now 8/8/1989–When I joined CUES as VP/membership, my interview suit had shoulder pads and I was the sleep-deprived mother of an eight-month-old son. 4/19/2013–On my last day as SVP/chief operating officer at CUES, much will have changed but many things are very much the same. I’m excited to take on a new challenge. I’m a bit nervous. Joe Kachelski is still my sweetheart. Family (including my 24- and 21-year-old sons) is still my No. 1 priority. 4/22/2013–I begin a new journey of leadership and learning as executive director of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Isabelle Maier Budde, my mom–Her full-time job was being a mother to her nine children, and she also had a part-time job while we were in school. It's hard to pick just one lesson from Mom; I'll cite two:  1.
"Brighten the corner where you are." (She meant make a difference for the better … or, on occasion, "clean your room!") 2. "It doesn't cost anything to be nice."

Fred Johnson, retired CUES CEO, West Point graduate, Vietnam veteran, and my boss for 23+ years–"Stress? This isn’t stress. Nobody’s shooting at us." I hear him saying this in my mind when I’m feeling like I had a tough day at work.

Ludelle Morrow, retired credit union CEO and past CUES chairman of the board–Her lesson was not a verbal one, but she modeled strong female leadership and believed that associations should dare to dream big. Under her leadership, the business plan to establish CUES' CEO Institute program was initiated.

Rick Craig, retired credit union CEO and past CUES chairman of the board–I always enjoyed listening to Rick speak, and it dawned on me one day that it was because he knew how to listen so well. This gift, the ability to focus on the needs of others, was in keeping with his deep-seated passion for his priorities: family, faith and the credit union movement.

Shelley Clarke and Carol Humenick, CCE, deceased CUES Board members–Shelley and Carol both became ill with terminal cancer while serving on the CUES Board. They made it to CUES Board meetings–either in person or via conference call–in spite of radiation and chemotherapy. Both of them were–and are–inspirational to me. They chose happiness and caring for others during the course of their illnesses. What models of female leadership and grace under pressure!

So many other friends and colleagues have played a role in shaping my career and imparting wisdom to me. I will sincerely miss the daily experience of working with and for credit union leaders from around the world.

It has been wonderful to make a career out of my passion for adult education. My work with CUES has been extremely fulfilling, in large part because I have seen so many credit union leaders advance in their careers and do good things for their own customers.

Although I will miss being part of the CUES team as it builds on its successful 50-year foundation, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to lead another international association with the same goal. Credit union leaders and cosmetic dentists share a genuine interest in helping people.

So CUES members and staff, know that I am packing memories of so many of you on my short journey. And AACD members, I’m looking forward to learning many more new lessons from you.

Barb Kachelski, CAE, is CUES' SVP/chief operations officer.

Which CU Rock Stars Inspire You?

By Lisa Hochgraf

One of the great stories I can tell from my CUES travel is that, back in 2010, I walked the "sixth" member of Aerosmith to Starbucks in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. (I just was being nice to the guy in the elevator, who turned out to be Russ Irwin, the keyboard player who has toured with Joe Perry and Steven Tyler for 15 years.)

This year, en route to CUES Symposium: A CEO/Chairman Exchange, my husband and I collected our luggage in the Maui airport standing right next to Mick Fleetwood (in photo at right--not taken by me), the drummer from Fleetwood Mac.

Actually talking with Russ and being in the same baggage claim area as Mick was surprisingly inspiring. It made me ask questions like: What more can I do with myself professionally? How can I grow to be great at what I do, as these folks have done? (OK, maybe not that great, but you get the idea.)

As I reflected on all this during this year's CUES Symposium, I also looked around the room. And it was then that I realized my CUES work doesn't just put me close to musical rock stars; it also connects me to credit union rock stars.

Consider these folks who I've recently had the pleasure of interacting with--and being inspired by--through my CUES work.

• Gary Easterling, CCE, who is not only growing a credit union, but making a careful study of what leadership is and how it can be developed throughout a credit union. (He is president/CEO of $1.4 billion United Federal Credit Union, St. Joseph, Mich.)
• Mike Vadala, who has not only grown his CU through strategic mergers, but also coaches young basketball players in how to play the sport well and how to be great people. (He is president/CEO of $695 million The Summit Federal Credit Union here in my city of Rochester, N.Y.)
• Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, CCE, who was so great to work with when she was chairman of the CUES Board, and has long inspired me as a female leader of a large credit union. (She is president/CEO of $2 billion Travis Credit Union, Vacaville, Calif.)
• Gerry Agnes, CPA, who made time to talk with this reporter about CEO/chairman relationship-building, despite CUES Symposium sessions being over for the day and all of Maui being right outside the door. Watch for the resulting article in the May issue of Credit Union Management magazine. (Agnes is president/CEO of $1.1 billion Elevations Credit Union, Boulder, Colo.)
• The seven CUES Rising 100 stars featured in an April Credit Union Management article. These articulate, enthusiastic women gave me a lot of reason to think the future of credit unions is in very good hands.

I could go on and on. But I'll stop now so you can take your turn. What credit union rock stars inspire you? Which people make you ask yourself: What more can I do with myself professionally? How can I grow to be great at what I do, as these folks have done?

Lisa Hochgraf is a CUES editor.