Independent Banker - December 2021 - 7

FROM THE TOP
" Let's collectively commit to
being more present in all of our
interactions. It won't be long
until we recognize what a true
gift that is to ourselves and
those we serve. "
Robert M. Fisher
Chairman, ICBA
Robert Fisher is president, CEO
and chairman of Tioga State Bank
in Spencer, N.Y.
be hard to see what's happening in
the now. But little choices can make
all the difference. For example, in
team meetings, we've instituted a
policy of checking our devices at the
door. We're more focused on each
other as a result.
ith the holiday season upon
us, the concept of " present "
takes on a frantic connotation.
The quest for the right item can
become a daunting task that takes
away from its intended spirit of
connection. That realization got me
thinking about a book, The Present,
which argues that the act of being in
the moment is a gift unto itself.
A friend of mine sent me The
Present a few years back, precisely
because I was going here, there
and everywhere. In reading it, I
recognized that in my hurry to get
the next thing done, I wasn't present
for my family or those at work in the
way that I wanted to be. Its message
resonated with me, reminding me
of the importance of being in the
moment with the people in my life.
While not a complicated theory,
it can be difficult to practice. As
business leaders, we're focused on
planning for the future, and it can
W
But a business can't thrive by
only living moment to moment; you
also need to learn from the past and
prepare for the future. Think of it
My Top Three
My favorite
takeaways from
Spencer Johnson's The
Present are:
1. Learn from the past, but
don't dwell in it.
2. Enjoy the moment
you're in.
3. Plan for the future, but be
content with the now.
Connect with Robert @RobertMFisher
like you're a coach. On the field, you
have to focus on the play at hand,
because points are scored in the
present. On the other hand, your
calls are informed by past mistakes
and future opportunities, so the key
is to consider the past and future in
light of what's right in the moment.
That's where we need to be as
community bankers: listening to our
communities' and customers' needs
and interests in this moment. That
active presence will help us uncover
issues and truly hear from them
in a way that sets us up not only to
address concerns but to prepare for
future products and services, too.
Lucky for us, this concept of being
present speaks to our missions
as community bankers. I can
think of no better way of building
relationships than to fully engage
our customers and teams. So, let's
collectively commit to being more
present in all of our interactions.
It won't be long until we recognize
what a true gift that is to ourselves
and those we serve.
Happy holidays and best wishes
for a truly present season! 
independentbanker.org Q 7
Photo by Heather Esposito
http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - December 2021

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