After being sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, members of the BLOK Class picked up right where they left off with a successful Session II in Wichita July 14-16. The 20-member class was welcomed by a panel discussion featuring 2013 KBA Chairman Frank Carson (Chairman, Carson Bank, Mulvane) and 2010 KBA Chairman Jeannette Richardson (Vice Chairman, Prairie Bank of Kansas, Hutchinson). They shared their insights on leadership in their banks and communities, what led them to serve on the KBA Board of Directors, and their take on banking industry trends. After the first day of training, the class members were treated to a hospitality reception to reconnect after the 17-month hiatus since the first session in February 2020.

The following day began bright and early with an engaging leadership training session facilitated by Ted Garnett, President of PS Culture Matters. Garnett encouraged participants to evaluate their respective banks’ mission statements. He stressed that all banks should value their customers; therefore, each bank must identify and communicate what differentiates them in the marketplace. Garnett gave compelling examples of the power of setting lofty goals. To gain practical experience, he challenged BLOK class members to set two lofty, five-to-seven-year goals and commit them to someone who matters, both personally and professionally. Garnett also taught participants conceptual tools to improve leadership skills within their bank teams to get results. Through hands-on group exercises, the class learned that the number one leadership skill is listening, and the number one group skill is consensus.

The class was assigned a book report project based on Leadership and Self-Deception written by The Arbinger Institute. Each individual was to read the book, implement a tool taught in the reading and report back at Session IV the lesson learned and how it impacted their personal and professional relationships.