FROM THE TOP By Derek Williams ICBA Chairman, President and CEO of Century Bank & Trust When it comes to the community bank relationship banking model, the relationship we describe is as much about our connection with our employees as it is with our customers. Without committed, happy and engaged staff, we have little chance of meeting the needs of our customers, stockholders and communities. So, as we enter another budget cycle, in a tight economic environment, we still need to place compensation and benefits near the top of our priority list. But it can’t be an exercise of placing a lump sum in a salary line and leaving it at that. Just as we structure individualized opportunities for our customers based on their needs, so too do we need to take the time to understand what our employees seek and what will keep them deeply engaged with our banks. It’s hard to define, but sometimes it’s more about the feeling than the facts. For example, some employees prioritize knowledge, and offering them more training dollars and time to take courses shows them that you are willing to invest in their growth. Some CONNECT WITH DEREK ON X @DEREKBWILLIAMS 10 | INDEPENDENT REPORT
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