Those in charge can make or break a credit union, spurring it to success or dooming it to failure. However, finding the best management training methods is challenging in an advanced financial field. Choosing one of the top leadership development programs helps your team adapt to changes and better serve customers’ needs.
Credit unions have a unique business model by being member-owned. They operate as a nonprofit but often have similar programs as a for-profit bank. The focus should be on serving member needs rather than making a profit. Since this usually means reinvesting any excess into the business, a budget for management training is a must. The better leaders manage the organisation, the more fruitful it will be for everyone.
What Are the Top Leadership Development Programs for Credit Unions?
While many programs exist, some are better at improving management capabilities. These programs might be online, in-person or hybrid courses on motivating employees, working through financial changes, time management and customer relationship management (CRM) skills. The best ones include practical training as a member-owned financial institution grows.
1. ServiStar Consulting
ServiStar Consulting takes training and personalises it. The services start with a consultation to determine each institution’s unique challenges. They then come up with a customised solution with a focus on member-centered relationships. One thing that makes the company stand out from other programs is its team of people who have worked in the credit union industry and have combined decades of experience.
They offer numerous free videos on recruiting, developing leaders and virtual business development. If a credit union needs to attract new members, it provides a tool to improve customer experience and increase revenue.
ServiStar’s management development solution comes from years of research that shows what leadership skills most frequently appear in top financial institutions. The online learning sequences are self-paced to meet the needs of busy professions, but the training program also offers single classes where needed.
2. eLeadership Academy
Member-based financial institutions wanting to improve culture may be interested in eLeadership Academy as another training option for upper management. Credit unions can use their learning system for a leader running a branch or an entire organisation. They also offer a certificate in applied leadership for member-owned financial institution managers.
The system is mobile-friendly and self-paced. Peer-to-peer learning helps with real-world solutions. Their completion rates are nearly 100%, with students leaving them rave reviews. Much of the focus of the training falls back on how credit unions can build talent within their current ranks, eliminating the need to look outside the organisation for talent.
Programs include eLead, an eight-week cohort program for four hours each week. For those too busy to devote weekly sessions, they also offer eLeaderHUB, which takes just two hours per month.
3. America’s Credit Unions
One of the leaders in the member-owned financial services industry, America’s Credit Unions advocates for the rights of institutions. They also offer training programs to help leaders better run their businesses.
One particular session they host every year is called eSchool Lineup. Every month or two, they offer sessions like IRA Fundamentals, Latest Trends in Investments, Financial Management and Executive Leadership on Succession Planning. Courses are virtual or on-demand and are part of a complete training bundle series with over 80 webinars and sessions.
Some in-person instructional opportunities through the organisation include Credit Union Management School, Strategic Growth Conference and Management and Leadership Institute.
4. CUES
CUES was created to meet the needs of credit union leaders through education and tools to build their brands. They’ve been building up leaders for six decades, offering digital and in-person learning events.
A Strategic Leadership Development Program offers courses on identifying employees with the potential to become leaders and preparing them for future management roles. One unique thing about CUES is that they’ll integrate their training with your current internal promotion system.
CUES customises each program to the credit union’s needs. The length of training varies as each program is personalised. In-person events happen around the United States in places like Hawaii, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Virginia and California. A few topics planned for 2025 are organisational effectiveness, strategic planning, advanced management techniques, audit committee development seminar and information on emerging technologies pertinent to savings and loan institutions.
5. On the Mark Strategies
If you’re looking for additional member growth opportunities, On the Mark Strategies focuses on this area with some proven results. Clients see an average 6.29% member increase, 12.71% loan growth and an 18.13% net worth improvement. Founded in 2011, the small team of leaders fight to help credit unions not only survive but thrive.
Member-owned financial institutions can book a free consultation, where leaders can discuss specific needs. They offer a brand workshop to help overlooked institutions stand out in their communities and become the go-to financial solution for customers.
They’ll also discuss your strategic long-term growth plans, book a keynote speaker to attract top business leaders in the community and learn how to improve the website to meet member needs.
6. GoWest Credit Union Association
For companies located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming, the GoWest Credit Union Association offers training and programs to develop management skills. The organisation serves around 300 credit unions, equaling approximately 17.4 million members. Some of their work includes ensuring compliance, advocating for the industry and providing a firm foundation for member-owned financial institution management.
The GoWest Leadership Institute offers an interactive program where members can hone their skills in a hands-on workshop using real-life scenarios. The teaching focuses on ways to be a better manager, gain confidence and make better decisions. The workshops happen in Casper, Wyoming or Denver, Colorado.
Leadership Institute is a three-day conference with two workshops a day for learning theory and how to apply it. They also offer online courses and a management assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses. The Advanced Leadership Program looks at ways to promote from within and develop young staff into tomorrow’s managers. The program is in-person in Portland, Oregon, Denver, Colorado or Phoenix, Arizona. The learning is specifically for C-suite executives wanting to drive change.
Finding the Right Leadership Development Program
The long-term success of any member-based organisation is in the people who care most about the mission. The instructional programs mentioned above offer custom solutions to meet regional credit union needs while supporting upper management in enhancing skills without losing confidence. Whatever a financial institution’s budget, online classes, coaching or in-person events can drive growth.
