The banking industry is going through a period of significant change right now. The last 12 months have seen increased consolidation and noticeable movement of bankers from one bank to another (a number of times in groups). I attend a number of events every January where I see many bankers from numerous banks, and the #1 comment this year has been something along the lines of, “Wow, there sure are a lot of people moving around out there.”
This is true, and I don’t anticipate any let up in 2015 – not in people movement nor consolidation. While there are positive aspects of this, it also creates turmoil, angst and uncertainty among your employees.
So, while this “movement” is generally good for those in my business, as leaders it is cause to step back and be sure that you are taking care of your people. We are in a cycle where growth is king, and that puts a lot of stress on the organization — line, credit, operations…everyone. It is not uncommon for bankers to joke with me about finding a job outside of banking because it is “just not fun anymore.” Another comment I get more than you would think is, “I just don’t enjoy coming to work here anymore.”
My point is this: You have to grow and you have to compete. Everyone understands that. But, as leaders, what are you doing to differentiate yourselves INTERNALLY, not just to the customer? Why do good people want to work there and stay there? Not just financially, but otherwise. I sometimes fear that, as an industry, we are giving up positive corporate culture for the sake of growth. Your good people ARE being recruited… I guarantee that. So, as you read the article below, perhaps it sparks an idea that will help you keep someone who you might be losing, and you just don’t know it.