Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone, Powered by NAFCU

Part of managing and leading is setting standards, and then making sure they are met.

From time to time, you'll see something that isn't up to snuff. Maybe it is big. But maybe it is a minor thing.

What to do?

I read a very interesting article on the subject. The author's take? Don't let it go. He quotes General Ann Dunwoody. I think this is worth sharing.

Far too often we let little things slide. But just turn on the news and listen as the anchors lament an auto-part defect leading to deaths and multibillion-dollar recalls or a small leak in a gas pipeline causing an explosion that endangers wildlife. Recognizing when something is wrong, big or small, and holding people accountable can save industries billions and citizens their lives. Sergeant Bowen instilled in me instantly that if you do walk by a mistake, then you just set a new, lower standard. - Gen. Ann Dunwoody.

A rifle inspection by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

 

Please read the blog post. The author, Jeremy Anderberg, really walks you through a good discussion. 

Here are a few thoughts I had.

• Part of me struggles with this. You can't expect people to be perfect. And you don't want to nit-pick. However...if something isn't up to your standards, don't you have to let people know?
• Also, I think it is best done if you set expectations first. Just what are your standards? What are the expectations? You have to be clear. You have to communicate them over and over. It isn't fair to nit-pick after the fact when you didn't set expectations first. 

Shoot me a note if you have thoughts on the issue. Do you address every problem? How do you go about it?

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Shameless plug. If you like this blog, I hope you understand that I try to highlight things that should help you. With that in mind, check out next year's Strategic Growth Conference.  It is in Nash Vegas Nashville, from March 5-7. The agenda is excellent. (Thanks, Devon.) And the keynote is simply fantastic. Brett King will address the future of Financial Institutions. Let me know if you're coming. The first round will be on me.