Posted by Lisa Hochgraf
I know for sure that CUES' CEO Institutes are great professional development opportunites for credit union executives. I know this not just from reading this wonderful article by George Hofheimer about why people have been brought to tears by the experience.
I also know it because I've had the great fortune to attend a day or two of CEO Institute II at Cornell University on two separate occasions. (See the resulting articles here and here and here, if you're interested in the specifics of the classroom sessions I saw.)
Some CUES staffers have attended all three weeks of the institute. I asked them to name their key takeaway from the program and why it was so important to them. As you read their comments, please think about the best professional development experience you've ever had--and why it was so moving for you. When you reach the end, I hope you'll comment about it.
Barb Kachelski, CAE, SVP/Chief Operating Officer
Key takeaway and why it was important: I actually did the between-segment projects. I found my greatest learning came from applying the knowledge I had gained.
Jessica Hrubes, VP/Marketing
Key takeaway: You need to be able to "see" the entire picture of a problem using multiple frames (this includes understanding all functionality within the organization.)
Why it was important: I tend to be very focused and think mostly of "marketing." It was very eye opening to remember that I need to be in tune with everything else that is going on in the organization.
Karin Weiss, VP/Sales
Key takeaway: I learned a ton during CEO Institute, and took away a lot. But I think the most valuable thing I got from CEO Institute was real connections to my classmates.
Why it was important: I graduated from the program two years ago and still maintain many of the relationships I developed there. They serve as my informal focus group when it comes to potential new products and services, my inside line to the credit union movement, and I count many of them among my friends. Through classroom interactions, study groups, and after-hours socializing, the people I went through CEO Institute with added much to the value of the program and my experience.
Kristina Mattson, CAE, VP/Membership
Key takeaways: Scenario planning and its relationship to core competencies, values and philosophy; understanding your leadership style, strengths and weaknesses, and its impact on people, projects and vision; selecting frames based on the situation, not using your frame (frame meaning experience/assumptions...start each discussion with a clean slate of opinions); treat your co-workers/projects as you do your classmates. That is, give people you know the same latitude and objectivity you give those you just meet; differing perspectives grow your creativity and innovation.
Why these were important: These were items that either I personally had "a-haa" moments with or items I feel all leaders in any industry need to keep in mind.
If you haven't head enough yet, check out posts here and here from CU executives that have attended.
Lisa Hochgraf is board/operations editor for CUES' Credit Union Management magazine.
