“If I finish my term in office and have high approval ratings, I wasted my last years there,”

Michael Bloomberg

Wait, what?

When you think of leaders, you probably assume that one of their main goals is to be liked, or at least to have high approval rates.

Think of it like running a race. Yes, the flat and fast courses, like having high approval ratings or being liked, seem better, but paths with challenging terrain are often more engaging and ultimately more fun.

In the latest episode of Headlines and Fine Print, PACU President & CEO Dion Williams dives into the deeper meaning of Bloomberg’s quote and what it means to be a leader.

The Fine Print: Does This Leadership Mindset Translate to Credit Unions?

You bet.

We’re not in it at PACU for likes, connections or contests. We’re here to build something more profound, as a place where financial well-being is more than a product. It’s a promise. We’re in it for the long game.

That’s where leadership comes in.

Sometimes, we have to make decisions that aren’t the easiest or the most popular, such as:

• Raising deposit rates to benefit savers, even if it tightens our margins in the short run.
• Tightening lending standards in an unpredictable economy and saying no to someone we want to help.
• Investing in technology upgrades that don’t immediately pay off will have the best interests of our members and employees in mind.

We’re not taking the easy lap around the neighborhood. We’re dedicated to the long haul and aware of the obstacles along the way.

The Headline: Leadership isn’t about being liked.

Leadership isn’t about keeping things comfortable. It’s not about smooth terrain or shortcuts. It’s about choosing the more challenging road. The one that tests your endurance.

Dion says that while members and employees don’t have to agree with every decision, they will hopefully understand its reasoning.

Here are some takeaways for leading a team, a branch, a business or leading yourself through a season of change:

• Don’t fear a challenge: While the path of least resistance is tempting, leadership means building stamina and strength over time with the long-distance, more difficult course.
• Know what’s driving you: Before lacing up for the race, know your “why.” Also, the more you share your intentions and reasoning behind decisions, the more you can pass the baton on and have more of a support system when enduring the toughest parts of your path.
• Keep your eye on the real prize: Temporary breaks can be comforting but fleeting. Keep aiming for the finish line, even if the comfort of taking the easy, shorter route looks tempting.
• It’s the climb: While the finish line is the ultimate goal, enjoying the journey through the highs and lows can be just as rewarding and educational in preparing for the following challenging path or decision you face.

Our mantra at PACU is “More Than Banking. It’s Belonging.” While belonging is typically associated with happy feelings, it can also mean hearing hard news or leaders making a call you weren’t expecting.

These decisions are made with a long-term perspective, putting what’s best for our members and employees at the forefront.

Where does real growth happen? When you don’t play it safe. Dig deep. Stay the course.

If this episode hit home, check out our Headlines and Fine Print episodes on Spotify and YouTube for more tips on going the distance in leadership.