Directors' Column

Leadership in uncertain times

Whether we like it or not we’ve had to learn a few lessons from our time under the COVID-19 shadow. We’ve had to learn to accept changes to the ways we work as well as the way we play. We’ve had to learn how to live through uncertain times. We’ve been reminded how much we need real life social interaction with each other. Most of all though we’ve learned about the critical nature of effective leadership.

Some aspects of leadership go without saying – especially in educational and health settings. If you are an adult in a school, you’re automatically a leader, no matter what your role. Similarly, in health scenarios: if you’re not the person under care, you are a leader. We especially notice if leadership is not present or lacking clarity. It doesn’t necessarily degenerate into a Lord of the Flies scenario but it can be unpleasant and confusing. If there’s no obvious guidance, no bedrock of values and principles for all decision making then confidence ebbs, dismay abounds and desolation can set in.

When Bank First asserts it’s invested in you, it’s a promise, a value proposition. We have assumed the leadership role: our values and behaviours around caring, learning and growing, empowering, and service are our bond. We’re telling you we have your back, our purpose to serve our Members is straight and true. We are happy to speak with you anytime about financial cares and hopes. We are only too happy to listen, to reassure, to discuss. Could you refinance a loan? Could you adjust accounts? Is there another tactic you could employ to realise your dreams? Feedback from you demonstrates the trust you have in our personnel, how you appreciate the rapid, detailed and compassionate responses to your calls.

In uncertain times there still can be certainty. Companies that exist solely to benefit their Members i.e. mutuals and cooperatives, are beacons of light and resilience. We have a duty to you and we take pride in it.

Bernie Lloyd
Chair of Board