Reinventing your credit union in an uncertain economy: A survival imperative

Reinventing yourself is no longer a career strategy reserved for Hollywood entertainers, athletes or politicians. Job satisfaction has fallen to a record low of 45% of American workers, according to a recent survey by the Conference Board, a research organization based in New York.

The economy is currently in a fluxuating/slow growth mode and economists are forecasting slow job expansion in many industries for the next few years. During the last economic downturn, organizations paid the price for maintaining large staffs; they are reluctant to “staff up” again and are utilizing more technology instead of human resources. The result is that lay-offs and downsizing will continue to be commonplace in many industries.

The greatest threat to the future of the credit union industry is not the economic sector or regulation—-it is “Ignorance”.

Knowledgeable, well trained staff and volunteers are the keys to keeping our credit union organizations operating in an efficient, productive and member centric manner in the future.

The rapid technological, economic and informational changes that are occurring in business today make it mandatory for continuous staff and volunteer training and retraining.

Change is no longer a force in the business environment-it IS the business environment.

We must develop a lifelong learning philosophy if we are to keep up with change.

These new change dynamics require workers to learn and update their skills as changes occur on a regular basis. As employees, you are responsible for facilitating your development process. You need to have a strategy to maintain your professional and personal edge.

To maintain your position and to grow you’ll want to be prepared to

“Re-invent yourself”.

This includes developing new goals, job related skills, being flexible and keeping current as changes occur in the industry. Your development plan should include support form your supervisor and/or top management. They are the key players in your growth process and should be consulted on a periodic basis to insure your plan is lasting and successful.

The Professional Development Process

As an employee seeking professional growth, the ultimate responsibility for implementing your career plan rests with you.

This means continually assessing your skills, interests, values and goals. Employees should take the initiative to seek growth and make decisions about career directions.

This includes exhibiting the desire for continuing education and learning.

Performing current job duties in an effective manner is a good beginning point for the career development process. Employees must bring their “A Game” to work everyday as well as garner the resources to make career growth a reality.

This implies finances, time and strong effort needed to accomplish your goals.

Employees should approach their supervisors in a cooperative non-threatening manner regarding their training and career development.

Emphasis should be placed on how the professional development process can improve employee productivity and enhance the overall performance of the credit union.

Because many credit union workplaces have along standing tradition of promoting staff from within, an awareness of the career ladder in your organization is essential.

Building your competencies, positive work experiences and your network should help to keep you positioned for growth opportunities.

Taking advantage of local, state and national educational and training offerings can help prepare you for future growth and leadership opportunities in the credit union industry. Successful completion of programs can provide you with a valuable career skills and credentials.

The work environment will continue to change rapidly and be more Darwinian. You will need to become a survivor by adapting to change—one with resiliency who is not thrown by crisis, defeats, or failures.

Your future success will be measured by how much you invest in keeping yourself growing and going and “Never Letting Go of Your Dreams”!

Strategies to Improve Your Job Satisfaction/Prospectus

  • Keep Up Your Skills & Competencies.
  • Think Positive.
  • Challenge Yourself and Learn Something New.
  • Build Networks and Stay Connected.
  • Bring Your “A-Game” to Work Everyday.
  • Look for Ways to Help Your Credit Union Be Successful.
  • Learn to Think Outside The Organizational Box.
  • Reward Yourself Periodically by Celebrating Your Accomplishments.
  • Maintain A Survivor Mindset.
John Vardalas

John Vardalas

John A. Vardalas CAE, CUDE is Founder/CEO of The AmericanBoomeR Group, a Madison, Wisconsin based speaking/consulting firm. He is also a frequent speaker and facilitator of strategic planning ... Web: www.theamericanboomer.com Details