A Slogan? No, a Tenet

Nearly every community bank has some kind of slogan or tagline, and many of them change with each new advertising campaign. One approach – which our bank is using as it approaches its centenary in 2023, is to incorporate leadership into ours. “Where Caring Still Counts” is both the motto and the leadership philosophy of North Salem State Bank. Long a part of our history, some old-timers claim that our motto, was inspired by Teddy Roosevelt’s quote: “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” We consider our motto/leadership philosophy to be an integral element in our success.

For us, caring isn’t a slogan or a marketing tool. It’s a tenet, a centrally held belief guiding the way we do business and flowing through our entire team. We know caring is contagious. Our leaders demonstrate it, and as our team members feel that connection, they embrace it and deliver the same to our customers. People who care create an environment in which everyone around them feels valued, heard, supported and appreciated. Sometimes, caring about someone demands we challenge them to become even better. This is all part of effective leadership.

Caring is at the center of how we treat each other. We live it and lead it by encouraging open communication and a safe workplace. It appears in how we help each other grow as individuals and professionals. It’s why we take the time to recognize hard work, provide generous benefits, and encourage participation in social activities. Caring leaders also communicate realistic expectations clearly and value people over profits. The funny thing about that is when you put people first, the profits invariably follow.

Caring leadership begins with genuine listening. Because we care, we want to know what our staff thinks and what’s important to them. Sometimes it’s being open to a new way to do something. Other times it’s agreeing to support a Little League team or 4-H club in their hometowns. When employees know leaders are listening to what they have to say, their own sense of worth and value grows, and they begin to work even harder. They’re also more willing to speak up and tell leaders what they need to hear.

All those things apply to customers and the communities they call home, too. When you have a genuine interest in helping people make the most of their lives, others notice and everyone begins to feel the benefits. Hitting transaction targets may be an accomplishment, but leadership that takes the time to listen and help someone change their lives is far more satisfying.

There are those who see caring as simple and old-fashioned. Maybe it isn’t as exciting as the latest technological wonder, but that simple leadership concept has kept us thriving for a century. And that’s what this banker cares about the most.

P.S. How effective has our leadership tenet been? Over the past 13 years, our bank has grown from $130 million in assets to more than $545 million. Our footprint has expanded, too, taking us into new communities and counties. We’ve been able to staff our new locations, because veteran bankers in those places noticed our emphasis on caring and wanted to be part of it.

This Month's Guest Writer

Matthew W. Howrey
President & CEO
North Salem State Bank