Independent Banker - November 2024 - 30

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PORTFOLIO LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS
How to be a memorable leader
By Lindsay LaNore, ICBA
anaging people is hard work,
no matter what level of
management you're at. There are
expectations from above and below,
with never enough time to meet them
all. There is pressure that comes
from others and-even worse-
from ourselves.
M
As the year comes to an end, it's
a great time to take a step back, cut
yourself some slack and refl ect on
what you've done right. Having said
that, it's also a great time to think
about what you can do better in the
new year!
One way of doing this is by thinking
of the qualities that you have valued
and respected in leaders you've
known, whether those leaders were
your parents, teachers, community
fi gures or managers past and present.
What made them memorable? Here
are a few thoughts to start with.
1. A memorable leader takes the
time to get to know their team.
They fi nd out how you like to work,
what your interests are and what
brings out the best in you. They know
what you're capable of-perhaps
even more than you do yourself-and
they check in regularly to see how
you're doing.
2. A memorable leader lifts
their team up.
They encourage you to grow within
your role-and beyond it. They
encourage you to expand your
horizons, learn new skills and try
things you didn't think you were
capable of. These leaders know how
to delegate and are not afraid to
elevate team members into leadership
positions. While they risk losing you
by doing that, your personal growth
matters more to them than keeping
you in the role you're in.
3. A memorable leader
supports their team.
Even if you make mistakes, they
have your back both privately and
publicly. Part of that support is being
frank about how to learn from those
mistakes. It's that combination
of honesty and respect, or tough
love, that often encourages the
most growth.
4. A memorable leader makes
you feel important.
Everyone's work matters, and a great
leader takes the time to notice and
acknowledge that. They're also not
afraid to get in the trenches and do
the work when the need arises.
5. A memorable leader
rewards their team.
There's a lot to be said for celebrating
successes, whether it's with a box
of chocolates for reaching a work
milestone or with a team lunch to
celebrate a successful product launch.
It's also true that some of the most
memorable leaders aren't always the
best ones-there are also the ones
who taught us what not to do! But let's
forget about those for now.
As we head into Thanksgiving,
think about what you're thankful to
have learned from the leaders in your
life, and use that gratitude to spur
your own leadership growth.
Lindsay LaNore (lindsay.lanore@
icba.org) is ICBA's senior
executive vice president and chief
learning and experience off icer.
30 // ICBA Independent Banker // November 2024
Independent Banker - November 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Independent Banker - November 2024
