What Makes a Leader Truly Great? Experts Weigh In
By Independent Banker
Good leadership is about much more than one individual’s impact on the bottom line. It’s not even just about having the “soft skills” that make people want to work on your team. It’s about how effective leaders use these skills both internally and in the community to build a stronger bank. Here, community bankers and experts give insight into what this can look like.
The importance of leading by example
CFG Bank in Baltimore cultivates leadership in its employees through leading by example, says CEO Jack Dwyer.
“People learn and develop traits when they see others do and act in that way,” he explains. “So, by walking the walk, our team sees how leaders think outside the box to creatively problem solve, how leaders listen and implement change based on employee feedback, how leaders are invested in their team, supporting and encouraging their success.”
A robust mentoring program also helps build the succession pipeline.
“Leaders should take note of high-potential team members and connect them with potential senior mentors within the company to help foster that potential,” Dwyer adds.
CFG Bank aims to be creative about fostering employee growth. It goes beyond mentoring, implementing external education opportunities or offering additional responsibilities like leading a project or taskforce.
“When you give people opportunity, you’re able to see their potential,” Dwyer says, “and they often rise to that potential.”
Read the full article in Independent Banker.