Presentations matter for CEO candidates

Here’s the good news: The message embodied in you will be expressed whatever the modality or context—written format, verbal conversation, presentation or interview. You can speak coherently to what you deeply understand and have experienced. For instance, if you were asked questions about your expertise and career history, you’d likely be able to answer to a satisfying degree what jobs you’ve had, what actions you took, and what impacts you had on members, colleagues and staff.

Here’s the bad news: What is not deeply understood, researched or vetted is not embodied. If you do not have a level of familiarity with a topic, your lack of expertise, knowledge or vision will show up, especially in pressure situations. If you have not done your homework to an excruciating level, that lack of preparation can manifest as confusing, even conflicting, or—worst case—incoherent assessments and declarations for the future.

The higher you go up the leadership ladder, the more preparation matters. If you are getting ready for a CEO interview, glancing at the credit union’s call report and looking over peer-to-peer ratios are just a starting point. You need to connect the dots between the financials, operations, culture, competitors and marketplace. Look beyond the surface-level variables and ponder such fundamental questions as, “What are we trying to keep about our culture today (that drives our performance) that may need to shift in the future?” or “What’s the role of the evolving role of the board in the future to ensure we stay successful?”

 

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