2024 BLOK Session III 2024 BLOK Training Travels to Wichita The 2024 KBA Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) Class reconvened their executive-level leadership training with a successful third session in Wichita on July 17-19. The first day and a half were filled with an engaging leadership training session facilitated by Ted Garnett, President of PS Culture Matters. Garnett shared his leadership job description that others could use as a guide to help take them to the next level: 1. Set them up for success; 2. Equip them; 3. Unite the team; 4. Focus on results; and 5. Drive accountability. Garnett also encouraged participants to evaluate their bank’s mission statement and core values. He stressed that all banks should value their customers and that each bank needs to identify and communicate what differentiates them in the marketplace. Garnett also gave compelling, personal examples of the power of setting lofty goals. To gain practical experience, he challenged BLOK class members to establish a personal vision, or leadership brand, for which to be known. The key is to ask others the reality of what they are known for and then close the gap between reality and the desired outcome through the execution of the leadership principles that Garnett stressed. Garnett also taught participants conceptual tools to improve their leadership skills within their bank teams to get results. Hands-on group exercises had the class learn that the No. 1 leadership skill is listening, and the No. 1 group skill is consensus. The class was also assigned a self-accountability action assignment in Session II to be presented to the class during Session III. The assignment was based on “Leadership and Self-Deception,” written by The Arbinger Institute. After reading the book, each person implemented a tool taught in the reading, shared their No. 1 takeaway, and reported the lesson learned and its effect on their personal and professional relationships. Many impactful stories were shared! Wichita State University hosted Friday morning’s training at their beautiful new academic building, Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, the new home of the W. Frank Barton School of Business. The day began with a KBA Leaders Challenge Panel, featuring distinguished KBA bank leaders Bob Leftwich (Director, Impact The 2024 BLOK Class paused for a group photo after a day of engaging training. (Left to right) KBA’s Doug Wareham moderated the KBA Leaders Panel, featuring three former KBA Board Chairmen: Earl McVicker, Bob Leftwich and Ron Johnson. They shared their experiences as chairmen and encouraged the BLOK Class to stay involved in the KBA throughout their careers to keep the industry advancing. The BLOK Class shared a laugh with Shannon Beal (center) as she described the lessons she learned from reading and implementing techniques from the book, “Leadership & Self Deception.” Executive Coach Ted Garnett challenged the BLOK Class with the Leadership Job Description. 28
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