Independent Banker - April 2024 - 23

PORTFOLIO LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS
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10 quick wins
for new leaders
By Lindsay LaNore, ICBA
community events. Leaders should
make themselves visible.
6. Plan ahead. Prioritize actions
based on their impact, and don't leave
things to the last minute. Again, lead
by example here by communicating
priorities clearly and sticking to the
plan yourself.
7. Set clear goals. What are your
objectives? Find goals that everyone
wants to work toward, and get the
team's buy-in. If you make a to-do list
or wish list, make sure all the goals are
achievable. While shooting for the stars
is admirable, setting unrealistic goals
for the team can be demoralizing.
8. Play to individual strengths.
Figure out what each team member
does best-and enjoys most-then help
them focus on that. Encourage them
to do a deep dive into that area with
additional training, and let them shine.
ere's the scenario: You've just
been put in charge of a new
team or new project. No matter how
seasoned a leader you are, that can
be daunting. You're aware that eyes
are on you and expectations are high,
and you want to make a great fi rst
impression. To successfully transition
into your new role, there are a few key
steps you should follow.
H
2. Encourage transparency. You
should set expectations clearly, ask
questions and ask for feedback to
create an environment where people
feel safe to express themselves. Keep
the communication fl owing by setting
up regular check-ins over the following
weeks, either in person or by email.
1. Introduce yourself. If the team
doesn't already know you, set up a
meeting in the fi rst few days to get
to know them and tell them who
you are. Share some stories about
yourself. Invite the team to ask
questions and share concerns. Follow
up with one-to-one meetings with
as many team members as you can.
And be sure to get to know their daily
routines and pain points.
3. Communicate the " why. " Don't
just explain what you are planning to
do; explain why you are doing it.
4. Defi ne roles clearly. Everyone on
the team should know what they are
responsible for, who they report to and
how to communicate any issues.
5. Lead by example. Do the
same things you expect from the
team, whether it's being punctual,
meeting deadlines or getting out to
9. Stay upbeat. You set the tone
within the team, even if there are
serious issues to deal with. Positivity
and optimism go a long way. Handle
potential confrontations quickly, and
don't let issues fester.
10. Drive performance with
inspiration. Think of motivators to
keep things interesting, and celebrate
the wins. Acknowledge successes and
praise your team verbally or in writing.
Appreciation takes practically no eff ort
but goes a long way. If you do want to
make a little eff ort, buy treats that you
know your team will enjoy, and take
some time to enjoy them with them.
Lindsay LaNore (lindsay.lanore@
icba.org) is ICBA's senior
executive vice president and chief
learning and experience off icer.
independentbanker.org // 23
Photo by Evorona/Gorodenkoff
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - April 2024

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