for your bank to focus on over the next month. You can leverage your peer group for advice and feedback, and you’ll return the favor by helping them formulate realistic and robust plans. You’ll complete the process by reflecting on your experience with that same peer group. This simple, iterative process of Learn-Apply-Reflect forms the foundation of the Society’s development program. The Society spreads this process over a six-month period, covering two skills per calendar year. The Power of an Intentional Network We all have a loose network of people to whom we turn for advice. Fewer of us have a vibrant professional network with executives who understand and have experienced the challenges we face in banking, and who we can be open with and turn to because they are noncompeting peers. A vibrant network doesn’t grow out of random or one-off connections; it comes about as we intentionally develop meaningful relationships with others, grounded in solving real problems and challenges. In today’s hyper-busy world, you don’t build a vibrant network by attending cocktail parties or networking events, but rather through sustained interactions where you work on creating change, both in yourself and in your bank. The aforementioned in-person event – held twice annually in conjunction with our skill development program – will help you expand this vital network. In small group settings, you’ll work with other bank executives on applying the skill and creating a plan to continue to develop it in the future. In your peer group, you’ll seek and provide advice and feedback, as well as strengthen your own network. Peer groups will rotate on a regular basis to further strengthen your opportunity to network with other executives in meaningful ways. You’ll also have the opportunity to deepen those relationships through participation in joint activities, meals, and informal discussions over the two days. If you are not managing “your father’s bank,” then your father’s approach to developing peer networks and executive skills probably won’t lead to success in today’s banking environment. The goal of the Society is to help you, your executive team, and your bank to learn, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing and complex marketplace. Dr. Paul Godfrey is the Development Advisor to the Society of Bank Executives. Learn more and apply now at executives.bank. July • August 2022 5
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