Independent Banker - January 2020 - 20

PORTFOLIO
to drop notes into it documenting things to
celebrate. Here are a few ideas to start with:
Q Bank achievements like a new product launch,
system conversion or the establishment of new
policies or procedures
Q Customer and community feedback, memories
or discussions worth saving
Q Laugh-out-loud moments; the things that
made the team laugh, either with each other or
within the community
Leadership at All Levels
By Lindsay LaNore, ICBA
The jar of good
M
ore often than not, we don't stop to recognize
the good things that happen to our
bank, employees, customers or communities.
They tend to get lost in our day-to-day operations.
So, why not get the year off to a positive
start by embedding celebration into your culture?
A " jar of good " is a simple but eff ective way of
keeping the good times in mind. This jar, or whatever
you want it to be-it could even be a board or
a wall-is a place to store successes, to keep them
front and center, and, most importantly, to celebrate
them. Studies have repeatedly shown that
positive feelings invigorate us and that happy
workers perform at a higher level and are more
invested in their workplace. Happiness helps
breed success, so much so that happiness expert
Shawn Achor believes a positive, engaged brain is
the greatest competitive advantage in the modern
economy. Therefore, it makes sense to call out the
events and achievements that bring us joy.
Start by getting a jar-a big one, of course-and
placing it somewhere prominent. Leave a notepad
beside it. Invite employees (and even customers)
20 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q January 2020
Encourage team
members to celebrate
the achievements of their
colleagues. One person's
success, once shared,
can be very motivating
and spark new ideas.
Q Special gifts given to or from the bank, such as
awards or fundraising successes, or something
intangible but worth a special mention
Q Great advice or ideas gleaned from any source,
whether it's a training course or conversation
with local business leaders
Q Newspaper articles or stories about the bank or
your customers that made you cheer or smile
Q Employee successes outside of work, such as
the arrival of a new baby, a medical breakthrough
or a marathon completed
Lindsay LaNore
(lindsay.lanore@
icba.org) is
group executive
vice president
of Community
Banker
University
Make sure to lead by example. Keep adding to
the jar yourself, and make sure to share success
stories from across the bank. Deliberately highlight
each team member in some way. Encourage
team members to celebrate the achievements
of their colleagues. One person's success, once
shared, can be motivating and spark new ideas.
Think of how fun it will be to review these notes
at the year-end strategy meeting or holiday party.
Pass the jar around and take turns reading the
notes aloud. Then start all over again for 2021!
Independent Banker - January 2020

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