Stress test for values

by. Lisa Hochgraf

If you’re driving and a deer crosses in front of you, what do you do? In contrast, if you’re driving and a child crosses in front of you, what do you do?

Denise Wymore told CUES’ Execu/Summit attendees in March that the reactions of people and organizations when they’re surprised or stressed are often very indicative of their values.

For example, a credit union’s reaction to the economic disaster that was 2008 says a lot about what its leaders think is most important. Did yours hunker down and focus on cost reduction? Take extra care to communicate with members? Gear up for innovation?

What other stress tests has your credit union faced? How did you react? What does that show you about your organizational values?

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