Pub. 8 2019 Issue 3

l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s 20 N early one hundred and ten Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri bankers came together on March 26 and 27 at the Marriott Hotel on Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO to enhance their leadership and management skills. The 20th Annual Tri-state Leadership and HR Conference, a partnership between the Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri Bankers Associations, featured a top-notch line-up of speakers who challenged participants to bring their best every day, while making time to create a fun and collaborative workplace. In addition to an impressive lineup of speakers, fourteen exhibitors lined the hallway with the opportunity to demonstrate their products and services. KBA Chairman Chris Donnelly opened up the conference with his perspective on leadership in the banking industry as well as in our communities. His encouraging and motivating tone set the stage for what would evolve into two days of learning from leadership experts as well as from each other. Chris concluded with this quote: “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Keynote speaker Paul Long centered his message around the “Fundamism” philosophy that may be applied by all employees so that motivation is ultimately created not only from the top down, but from the bottom up. As the Kansas City Royals’ 2016 Fan of the Year, Paul’s shenanigans have been featured in media outlets like ESPN, the Washington Post, and even the Wall Street Journal. After leading the group through a skills transfer process, Paul encouraged the group to use their own power to change the workplace culture, instead of waiting for your organization to do it. Paul wrapped up his presentation with a quote from Richard Branson: “Fun is one of the most important ingredients in any successful venture. If you’re not having fun, then it’s probably time to call it quits and try something else.” Next up was Susie Thompson, Human Resource Manager and Culture Officer at the Wood and Huston Bank in Marshall, MO, who shared her vision for unleashing the most positive version of yourself. Her advice to the group is to avoid toxic people (we all know them), surround yourself with energizing people and start and end the day on a positive note. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but if you can make someone else’s day every day, you will have contributed to a culture of positivity and greatness. Her last piece of advice is to incorporate laughter into your workplace, home and community – and have fun! Day one concluded with a presentation by Vicki Kraai, VK Solutions, Lincoln, NE. According to one bank president “People are our most important resource. We want to continue to look for ways to help our people develop in their careers and build a strong culture of teamwork that separates us as the employer of choice.” How are we doing? Take some time to assess your organizational health in terms of workplace politics, morale, productivity and turnover rates. Consider adopting the following best practices: Hire the right people and train them well; set the expectation; hold managers and supervisors accountable; assess your hiring and performance measurement practices; and monitor employee engagement. Vicki also stressed that high performing managers have five talents: 1) They’re motivators; 2) They’re assertive; 3) They accept accountability; 4) They’re relationship builders; and 5) They’re decision makers. How do your managers stack up? By Becky Tongish, SVP - Educational Resources TRI-STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE DRAWS NEAR RECORD CROWD Chris shares how organizational culture impacts performance and profits. Attendees learn to identify the three leadership pickle skills from Loretta Summers.