BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–The biggest factor in leadership success? It’s frequently overlooked, according to Wayne Benson, CEO of EPL: hard work. Below, Benson offers his thoughts along with lessons learned on leadership and management as part of CUToday.info’s The Corner.
CUToday.info: What intangible of leadership is most difficult to convey or prepare for?
Benson: There are a multitude of intangibles related to effective leadership—wisdom, integrity, social awareness, emotional intelligence, fortitude and fallibility, to name just a few. Discerning the most difficult to convey or prepare for is difficult in and of itself, as there is not a single proven recipe for leadership success. However, if I had to choose one, I would say that it is an engrained or innate quality—the sheer will to succeed. That burning desire to do whatever it takes—to push past what you and others think the limit is to accomplish a goal—is something that simply can’t be taught or even completely understood. It’s one of those things that you either have or you don’t.
When I look at icons of leadership, I see individuals who stood ahead of the pack and fought tooth and nail to become successful. No one handed it to them. They practiced harder, worked longer and sacrificed more to reach the next level because of their unrelenting will to win. Interestingly enough, the intangible that is most difficult to convey is also something you can’t prepare for because you won’t find yourself in a position of leadership without it.
CUToday.info: Are you a fan of a management book or books? If not, why not? If so, which have resonated with you and why?
Benson: I do read management books whenever I can, mostly to learn from others and gain new perspectives. My favorite books tend to be biographies of those who have found success in business and in life. I particularly like books authored by coaches, as they tend to focus on how to best work with people, specifically in team environments. I also enjoy reading books on famous generals and presidents, as I find it fascinating to learn about events that shaped our world and various disciplines they applied in such serious situations. From time to time, I’ll find a quote that really resonates with me and will try to tie it into a message I want my team to take to heart.
CUToday.info: Innovation: four syllables getting all the attention. Deservedly so? If so, can you really drive innovation? Or is it coming at the cost of implementation and delivery?
Benson: Innovation and implementation are certainly not mutually exclusive. In the development process, unfactored variables and human error are real issues true innovators must deal with, and, as a result, projected timelines change and implementation may be slowed. That said, I believe wholeheartedly that businesses can be innovative and recalibrate quickly to ensure on-time delivery doesn’t come at the cost of quality. Here’s the deal—someone is going to drive innovation. Period. I don’t want to be at the helm of a ship that’s always playing catch up—I want to lead the fleet.
I aim to foster a culture where failure doesn’t mean that the game is over, it just means we’re one step closer to success. For that to happen, my team must be disciplined in their work, and respect both the innovation process and the need to efficiently and effectively distribute what we build. When that recipe is right, together we will hit the mark more often than we miss.
CUToday.info: If you could go back and talk to You On The First Day On The Job, what advice do you share?
Benson: Wow, back to the first day on the job—how exciting would that be? If I only knew then what I know now! My advice to “young me” would be the same as I would give to any young person I hire today. First, develop specific goals and an action plan to achieve them. Do everything in your power to understand your role within the company, and what is expected of you by your boss. Devour the resources at your disposal, including those around you. The people you work with are your most powerful asset to understand the dynamics of the organization, and to master the technology and tools the company uses. Develop and nurture good relationships with everyone you can—your network will become invaluable. Take every training course offered, ask as many questions as you can and know that you’re going to make a lot of mistakes before you get it right. Show initiative, produce results and know that no task is beneath you if your boss needs it done.
CUToday.info: My Keeps-Me-Up-At-Night concern is? Why? And My-Let’s-Me-Sleep-At-Night optimism is?
Benson: Without getting too into the weeds, I’m deeply concerned about the overregulation of business in this country. The credit union industry is filled with small and medium-sized companies struggling to meet constantly changing laws and regulations put forth by those who hold public office. When it comes down to it, all of us are simply trying to do our best in an environment conducive to failure. Reading stories of entrepreneurs’ businesses run into the ground by shockingly silly rules is sad, infuriating and deeply terrifying at the same time. I’m not sure what to expect next.
However, I remain optimistic when I look at the incredibly bright and energetic youth entering the workforce. They are connected to the world in ways that most people my age couldn’t have imagined. In my eyes, the world is actually coming closer together via technology, and it has been a remarkable experience working side by side with brilliant minds from other countries as a result of Dedagroup’s investment in our company. I believe that common sense will prevail and these young, budding workers will take charge and enact positive change across the business landscape.
For more info: www.epl.net.