Independent Banker - June 2022 - 5

FLOURISH
" Healthy debate helps us achieve
an outcome where we're all
pushed to think beyond what
might be readily in front of us. "
Rebeca Romero Rainey
President and CEO, ICBA
hen's the last time you left a
meeting and found yourself
saying, " I never thought about it that
way before " ? For me, the answer
allows me to gauge how much I've
successfully encouraged differing
viewpoints. If I'm not asking myself
this question regularly, it's a red flag
that I need to be looking for new
ways to welcome input.
As leaders, it's our job to create a
culture that celebrates and harnesses
differing perspectives. But it's not
about discussion for discussion's
sake; it's about broadening our
mindsets. Healthy debate helps
us achieve an outcome where
we're all pushed to think beyond
what might be readily in front of
us. This openness to doing things
differently and hearing new ideas
naturally invites more discussion on
topics you may never have realized
were there.
Open dialogue is important,
because as a community bank, no
two scenarios are exactly alike.
Having a team that offers a variety
of different opinions will allow a
bank to think creatively to solve
problems. It creates a space where
employees ask, " Is this OK, or are
W
we missing an opportunity? " and
" How can we better meet the needs
of the community? " When you have
an environment where it's OK to
disagree, you develop a dedicated
team, which yields a better outcome.
In addition, healthy debate
introduces an element of fun into
strategy. When done right, it's
engaging, stimulating and inspiring.
It also leads to a culture of excellence
where staff are encouraged to
question the status quo and stretch
the organization so it can grow to
new heights.
Take the " 40 Under 40 " featured
in this month's issue. None of these
leaders received the distinction
by doing things the way they've
always been done; they learned to be
leaders through example, through
education-at events like our LEAD
FWD Summit-and through their own
experiences. This has driven them to
challenge their banks and teams to
do better and be better. That makes
them shining stars, and it also speaks
volumes about the culture their banks
have created.
Thinking about our leadership
team at ICBA, I'm grateful for
the discussions we have. Our
complementary perspectives have
helped us continue to grow to better
serve the needs and interests of our
members, and I know all of you seek
the same for your communities. So,
let's use this as a call to action to keep
finding the fun in questioning the
status quo. I'm certain it will help us
continue to flourish.
Connect with Rebeca @romerorainey
Where I'll be this month
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I will be attending my
eldest daughter's high school graduation! I'll also be
traveling to a series of meetings for ICBA Bancard, TCM Bank, ICBA
Reinsurance and ICBA Securities, and attending the Community
Bankers of West Virginia Convention.
independentbanker.org Q 5
Photo by Chris Williams
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - June 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - June 2022
