Bank Decision-Making: Sweden or Texas?
Over dinner, a Latin American friend who has worked for many international companies was bemoaning the approach of his present employer, a Swedish company. His issue had nothing to do with salary, benefits, or…
Banking and Politics
Banks have either deliberately placed themselves or circumstances have placed them in a political maelstrom, taking a stand that some customers may support while risking offending others.
How can banks win in the small to mid-size business market?
VIDEO: A few weeks ago, Ned Miller, a friend, colleague, and expert in all things community banking invited me to join his podcast. The topic centered on…
Learning from Ukraine
I hesitate to write about the Ukraine and draw any lessons for banks and bankers. What is happening there is both inspiring and heart breaking, and it is important to avoid exploiting that situation. And neither bankers…
Avoid The Office at Your Own Peril
More companies are bringing employees back to the office either on a full part-week schedule, but in many cases employees put up barriers to a return to full time office work. Recently, an article discussed how…
American Banker: Between the Lines
When considered together, three headlines in February 2nd’s American Banker Daily Briefing tell a story that bankers need to assess and act on. Headline 1: “Expenses expected to keep weighing down bank profits”
Start with Captain Obvious
You have probably all seen the Hotels.com commercials featuring Captain Obvious. As a New York Times article noted, “Everything he says is self-evident.” There is a lot to be said for stressing the obvious.
The Keys to Success
Despite the best attempts of consultants, IT firms, and internal bureaucrats to put up and highlight as many roadblocks as possible, at its core banking remains a simple, straightforward business. Today, perhaps…
The End of Work
“Well, I think I will spend the first month in Austin. I’ve heard it is really cool there. Then, maybe I’ll go to Taos. Great skiing in Taos.” Is this the voice of someone planning a two-month vacation? No, it captures the words of…