Independent Banker - December 2023 - 34

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LESS THAN $250M
LOCAL BANK
AIMING FOR EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION
BY WILLIAM ATKINSON
irtually everything that
happens within Local Bank
in Tuscaloosa, Ala., has something
to do with its commitment to
employee satisfaction.
According to Scott Christoff,
president and CEO of the
$44 million‑asset community bank,
senior management's overall goal is to
ensure that the bank's employees see
the value in the work they are doing,
know that management values them
V
value direct communication and
encourage our employees to reach
out, " Christoff says. " Their voices are
important to us. "
and genuinely enjoy what they do.
" We want everyone to feel that
we're a united team, " he says.
To turn these philosophies into
tangible actions, senior management's
doors are always open; they want
everyone to know that they can come
talk whenever they need to. " We
In pursuit of open and honest
communication, the bank's
management team is highly
responsive to employee ideas,
problems and concerns. As
Christoff sees it, Local Bank is in an
advantageous position in that it has
fewer legacy structures and processes
than many larger banks, allowing
it to be more flexible and open
to change.
A commitment to
continued education
The community bank has a strong
commitment to training designed
Local Bank
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Assets: $44 million
mylocal.bank
with a focus on individual needs.
" We make sure that each person
receives training that suits them
best, " says Christoff. " It is a hands‑on
approach. Additionally, we create an
environment where everyone feels
comfortable seeking guidance from
any colleague at any time, even after
initial training. "
Secrets to success
While everything at Local Bank is geared toward employee
satisfaction, one special feature is that this commitment begins with
the board. " Our board's philosophy facilitates employee satisfaction
through a few key principles, " says Scott Christoff, president and CEO.
" First and foremost, we prioritize bringing in exceptional people with
diverse backgrounds and personality types. Our aim is to foster an
atmosphere of well-roundedness rather than conformity. "
Second, the board is committed to making it clear that every
opinion matters and that every voice is heard. " We want every team
member to feel valued and celebrated for their hard work, " he says.
" Further, we set high expectations but also assure our employees that
there are many opportunities for growth, learning and excelling here. "
Local Bank also encourages
employees to pursue additional
training in areas where they believe
they need improvement or that
will allow them to grow within
the bank. " We proactively identify
and acknowledge exceptional
performance and talent within our
organization, " Christoff says. " When
we recognize someone's hard work,
we take the initiative to provide
them with opportunities to grow and
advance in their careers. "
A sense of purpose for employees
is also important. " Everyone's
work here directly contributes to
Local Bank's growth and sets the
foundation for our future, " he says.
" We have created an environment
34 // ICBA Independent Banker // December 2023
Independent Banker - December 2023

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