The 2024 KBA Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) Class reconvened their executive-level leadership training with a successful third session in Wichita on July 17-19.

The first day and a half were filled with an engaging leadership training session facilitated by Ted Garnett, President of PS Culture Matters. Garnett shared his leadership job description that others could use as a guide to help take them to the next level: 1. Set them up for success; 2. Equip them; 3. Unite the team; 4. Focus on results; and 5. Drive accountability.

Garnett also encouraged participants to evaluate their bank’s mission statement and core values. He stressed that all banks should value their customers and that each bank needs to identify and communicate what differentiates them in the marketplace. Garnett also gave compelling, personal examples of the power of setting lofty goals. To gain practical experience, he challenged BLOK class members to establish a personal vision, or leadership brand, for which to be known. The key is to ask others the reality of what they are known for and then close the gap between reality and the desired outcome through the execution of the leadership principles that Garnett stressed. Garnett also taught participants conceptual tools to improve their leadership skills within their bank teams to get results. Hands-on group exercises had the class learn that the No. 1 leadership skill is listening, and the No. 1 group skill is consensus.

The class was also assigned a self-accountability action assignment in Session II to be presented to the class during Session III. The assignment was based on “Leadership and Self-Deception,” written by The Arbinger Institute. After reading the book, each person implemented a tool taught in the reading, shared their No. 1 takeaway, and reported the lesson learned and its effect on their personal and professional relationships. Many impactful stories were shared!

Wichita State University hosted Friday morning’s training at their beautiful new academic building, Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, the new home of the W. Frank Barton School of Business. The day began with a KBA Leaders Challenge Panel, featuring distinguished KBA bank leaders Bob Leftwich (Director, Impact Bank, Wellington, and KBA Chairman 2015-16), Ron Johnson (Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation Ambassador and KBA Chairman 2017-18), and Earl McVicker (Chairman & CEO of Central Financial Corporation, Manhattan, and KBA Chairman 2000-01). These gentlemen shared insights on leadership in their banks and communities, what led them to serve on the KBA Board of Directors, and the significance of being engaged with the KBA. The panelists described their leadership styles and important events during their term as KBA Chairman. They encouraged the class to get — and stay — involved in the KBA and even at the American Bankers Association level.

The BLOK Class was then able to gain knowledge from an interactive Workforce Development Panel discussion featuring Rick Sems (CEO of Equity Bank, Wichita) and 2018 BLOK Graduate Steven Suellentrop (President & CEO, Legacy Bank, Wichita). The distinguished panelists discussed their strategies for identifying new bank talent and retaining great employees. Panelists revealed ways that they are trying to connect with younger generations of employees with intentional policies that appeal to their values. The class was also able to pick their brains on issues such as managing remote workers and the use of artificial intelligence. The session concluded with a roundtable discussion regarding workforce development. Class members shared their own experiences and ideas for attracting/retaining talent, especially in rural communities.

The BLOK Class reconvened at their fourth and final session in Washington, D.C., in September, where they were joined by the KBA Federal Affairs Committee and KBA board of directors for a march on Capitol Hill.