By Peter Myers
For years, leadership experts have been talking about the “next generation” of leaders. The talk is over. That next generation is here and in leadership roles, today. A familiar trait of this generation is the sense of excitement and hope they bring to the industry. This is an exciting time for leaders!
The definite uptrend in retirements among credit union CEOs and senior management, especially in the past year, creates opportunities for the next generation of leaders to become more grounded in their leadership style. As successors move up, younger professionals—next top credit union executives—are moving into senior positions and wielding a great amount of power and influence on the shape of products and services.
This influence is globally-focused, widely informed and involved in local, regional and global communities. Their increased access to information is unlike any previous generation. They are used to and want a lot of touch points, with ease and flexibility.
A constant stream of information—about people, businesses, causes and ideas —leads, informs and influences this generation’s daily actions. They are so information-focused that studies show this social media-geared generation uses the library more than any other generation. The flow of information fuses with the desire and need to work in coordination and collaboration with generations across the ages.
They are also a socially responsible generation with an increasingly broader understanding of what social responsibility is, and the importance of relationship building in success for all. This applies to initiatives too, where ideas are often tied with multiple touch points not just to a specific marketplace but to the world. They will, no doubt, expand and improve credit union initiatives.
So, in some regards, the next generation of leaders is the now generation!
Peter Myers is Vice President of DDJ Myers, Phoenix, Ariz.
We encourage you to check out the future that is already arriving. Look at the cast of top talent vying to be one of the 15 finalists in CUES 2012 Next Top Credit Union Exec competition. Finalists will present their entries November 5 during CUES’ CEO/Executive Team Network in Manalapan, Fla. You can also help select the final 15 by voting for your favorite entries between July 20 and 31. The winner will be named. November 7.
DDJ Myers is proud to sponsor this year’s competition. See why the arrival of the next generation is so exciting!
