Independent Banker - October 2020 - 24

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4. Prepare for every meeting. You don't
need to know everything, but you should
be thorough.
5. Schedule time to focus. Identify the times
of day when you feel the most alert and set them
aside to work on more challenging tasks.
6. Be on time. Chronic tardiness can come
across as careless or even rude. Leave extra time
to make sure that you are punctual.
7. Never be satisfied with doing the minLeadership
at All Levels
By Lindsay LaNore, ICBA
Quick wins
in leadership
W
hen it comes to leadership, gains
are often seen as the result of considerable
time and eff ort, and sometimes doing the
groundwork for future successes can feel labor
intensive. But there are some simple, practical
steps you can take to score quick wins that have
long-term results.
Here are a few ideas to start with:
1. Read up on your industry. Set aside a
solid chunk of time each day to read or listen to
a trusted source. It could be with your morning
coff ee, at lunchtime or during your commute-or
in place of it, if you're working from home.
2. Proofread your emails. Slow down. Check
for typos. Make sure you've spelled the recipient's
name correctly. Also, check for tone and
clarity. And, of course, don't hit " reply all " unless
you mean to.
3. Stay positive. Do something that brings
you joy. Then pass that feeling on.
24 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q October 2020
Lindsay LaNore
(lindsay.lanore@
icba.org) is group
executive vice
president and
chief learning
and experience
off icer
imum. Always aim high, then go above and
beyond when the situation calls for it.
8. Set short-term and long-term goals.
Revisit them frequently. We're often good at setting
goals but fall short on our check-ins with
them. Make a commitment to progress.
9. Never assume you know everything.
Stay open.
10. Talk less and listen more. Knowledge
is power. Besides, the more you talk, the more
likely you are to say something you'll regret.
11. View missteps as opportunities to
learn. Admit you made them. Ask what went
wrong and why. Learn from them. Then move on.
12. Embrace learning. Acquiring a new skill
expands your horizons. It also helps keep your
mind agile.
13. Always remember the value of networking.
It invites new ideas and it gives you a
chance to help others.
14. Be willing to challenge your own thinking.
Recognize unhealthy or rigid thought habits
and practice getting outside your comfort zone.
15. Dress professionally. Present yourself
the way you want to feel and set the standard for
everyone around you.
16. Avoid off ice drama. Focus on your
goals, treat everyone equally and be a positive
role model.
17. Appreciate the value in every job you've
had along the way. Every step you took made
you who you are today, and it's a great reminder
that every team member plays an important role.
18. Ask for help when you need it. Don't be
afraid to reach out. It can give the other person a
boost, too.
19. Let others shine. It costs you nothing.
20. Thank people who help you. As we all
know, appreciation takes no time-and it goes a
long way.
Independent Banker - October 2020

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