The power of personal development

Let’s get real: You’ve hired people at your credit union that didn’t work out. Some were never the right fit, while others lost something over time.

I’m reminded of when one of our credit unions hired a marketing specialist. She was rather boastful about having earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and she was quick to point out to others at the credit union who did not have degrees. She created waves fast, and clearly hadn’t mastered what it takes to build and maintain great relationships. That’s not always taught in college.

After seven months, she was fired. She continues trying to find herself, with short stints in car rentals, manufacturing sales, and now a nursing student. Now, sharing this story is not to belittle her. I am also not discounting her value as a person or the value of a quality education. I think she’s learned some valuable skills, albeit the hard way; however, what I am championing is the importance of personal development.

What the former credit union marketing strategist didn’t see in her colleagues was just how much they had invested in themselves. Things like improving self-confidence, problem solving, stress management, emotional intelligence, time management, goal setting, and project management. This is a high performing credit union because it has an amazing team that values personal growth.

 

continue reading »