Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

By now, you've heard that NAFCU will have a new CEO come August 1.  I've worked with Fred, our current CEO, and Dan, our incoming CEO.  It is, and will be, business as usual, with a focus on our members.

That being said, Fred is now in "transition"mode.  Every day brings a number of files, lessons and stories. Fred's goal is to institutionalize his memory bank.  

The other day, Fred came into my office to tell me about one of his pet peeves.  A major pet peeve. And I'm guessing that many of you have committed this cardinal sin.  I know I have.

You are at a conference, or a cocktail party, or a meeting.  One of your members or business partners approaches you with a problem or a need.  They wonder if you could help make an introduction, cut through red tape, or check on the status of something. 

All too often, "you" will give the person your card and ask them to email you the issue, with additional information.  Or "you" will say that the person needs to call or email so-and-so back in the office, because she handles that issue. 

Wrong, wrong, wrong, says Fred.  That is completely backwards.

If a member or business partner comes to you with a problem with your organization, never make them make the next step. They just did, remember?  

Get their card, and learn more about their problem. Then it is on you to reach out to them with the solution.  Or the introduction.  Or the information. 

Good lesson, Fred.  

Have a great weekend, everyone.