Three Key Principals for Effective Leadership:
Treating People Right, Building Trust and Embracing Emotional Intelligence
With more than 20 years in the banking industry, I've learned that leadership isn't just about making strategic decisions or hitting financial targets, it's about your willingness to learn and understand the heart of your organization: the people. Through years of experience navigating the complexities of the financial world, there are three key principals that continue to stand out to me as indispensable to being a truly effective leader: (1) how you treat people, (2) the trust you build, and (3) the importance of emotional intelligence.
1. It All Comes Down to How You Treat People
Great leadership begins with how you treat people. In the fast-paced and competitive environment of banking, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers and forget that behind every transaction, every deal and every decision, there are individuals with their own aspirations, challenges and emotions. Treating people with respect, empathy and kindness is not just a moral imperative; it's also a strategic advantage. When people feel valued and appreciated, they are more motivated, productive and loyal. As a leader, we must make it a priority to foster a culture of inclusivity and support where everyone feels empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
2. The Importance of Building Trust
Building trusting, authentic relationships is essential for effective leadership. Trust is the currency of leadership—it is what enables teams to collaborate seamlessly, customers to remain loyal and stakeholders to have confidence in your vision. That said, it is important to note that trust is not built overnight. It requires consistency, transparency and integrity. Whether it's with colleagues, employees, customers or community organizations, leaders must strive to cultivate genuine connections based on mutual respect and shared values. Through active listening, open communication and upholding commitments, our goal should be to work to earn the trust and respect of our colleagues and peers.
3. The Execution of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a critical trait for successful leadership. In the dynamic and high-pressure environment of banking, being able to understand and manage emotions—both your own and those of others—is invaluable. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to navigate conflicts effectively, inspire and motivate their teams, and make sound decisions even in the face of uncertainty. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills—all of which can be developed and honed over time. As a leader, it is important to invest in continuous learning and self-reflection to strengthen your emotional intelligence and better connect with your teams.
In closing, by implementing these three fundamental principles, banking professionals and leaders —or professionals and leaders in any industry, for that matter— will create a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued, empowered and motivated to succeed. As I continue my journey in the profession, I remain committed to embodying these principles and inspiring others to do the same. After all, true leadership is not about titles or accolades, it's about making a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. .
This Month's Guest Writer
Jennifer Gibson
Director of Retail Banking, Indiana Region President
Northwest Bank