On an Organization’s HealthLEADERSHIP IMPACT

Session content & What to Expect A look back at my career & path to today Leadership attributes – what it takes to

become an impactful leader Power of “YOU” – Modeling your brand Exercise – Financial & income statement

metaphor to Leadership & Growth The power of “acknowledgements” Wrap up with Widgy Wisdoms on

Leadership

Fall 1984 – The turning point is my career/life

Fall 1984 – The turning point is my career/life

1984 – turning point in my career and life!!

Look at this cooldude!

Career Aspirations

Derailment

Career Journey

33 years Farm Credit System Experience

Hired as a Credit Trainee at St. Louis District Bank in 1985 First loan officer position – Quincy, Illinois 1986 – 1989 Branch Manager – Vandalia,

Illinois 1990 – 1999 Multiple roles, including

Branch Manager, Account Executive Sales Role, Effingham, IllinoisNOTE: went to local bank for one year in mid-

90’s; returned to Farm Credit

Career Journey (cont’d)

1999 – 2010: “Growth & Development” Transition from producer to leader/managementResponsibilities grew & opportunities were

challenging Confidence, excitement, anticipation of future 2010 – 2018: “Derailment Era” Anticipation & excitement of career advancement First “career crossroad” Adjustment and acceptance 2nd “career crossroad” Today!

So, why the derailment?

Family!!

Back on track………

Sr. VP of Ag Lending – IndianaFarm Credit Mid-America

$24B assets 4 states (Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky,

Tennessee) Indiana Ag Retail Market - $3B 25 branches 8 Direct Reports 123 indirect reports Senior Leadership Team Sales Strategy Team

Leadership AttributesGroup Exercise

What are the attributes of Great Leaders?

• Take 5-10 minutes• Brainstorm list of attributes

What’s Your Brand?

Leadership IngredientsEqual Parts:

Competence

Authentic

Caring

Competence

Being Authentic

Caring

Leadership Impact - Passion

Leadership Impact - Greatness

Feelin Good……Being GreatConquer a challenge or weakness….

Watch “confidence” & “momentum” grow……

Feelin Good>>>>>>Being Great

Financial vs Leadership Statement

FINANCIALAssets Liabilities

• Cash• Stocks• 401K• Home• Vehicles

• Credit Card Debt

• Vehicle Loan• Home Mortgage• College Loan

LEADERSHIPStrengths Weaknesses

• Passion• Energy• Enthusiastic• Work Ethic• Trust• Integrity• Knowledge• Caring• Empathetic

• Unapproachable• Poor Listener• Procrastinator• Impatient• Worrier• Negative

Attitude

Net Worth Leadership

Annual Income vs Annual Growth Statement

INCOME STATEMENTIncome Expenses

• Salary• Business

Income• Investment

Income

• Household Exp• Vacation• Dining• Entertainment• Vehicle

Payment• House Payment

GROWTH STATEMENTGood Habits Bad Habits

• Books Read• Written Goals• Mentor• Getting

Uncomfortable• LDP Programs• Exercise

• Apathy• Procrastination• Envy• Jealously• Self-Centered• Inadequate rest

+Increase Net

Worth

-Decrease Net

Worth

Annual Change in Net Worth

+Increase Growth

Development

-Detract from Growth

and Development

Annual Change in Personal Growth

My Personal StoryAs of 2008:

LEADERSHIP STATEMENT

Energy Passion Empathy Enthusiastic Trusting Sense of humor Work ethic

• Difficulty accepting criticism

• Worry

• Measuring myself to others

• Victim

•

Difficulty accepting criticismWorryMeasuring myself to othersVictimNegative mental attitude

Group Exercise

Pair up with a teammate

• Review Leadership Strengths, Attributes, & Qualities, and

Leadership Weaknesses & Negative Traits.

•Select and list your top 5 of each.

Leadership Job Description

To grow and develop an individual or team of individuals by inspiring them to achieve more than they think is realistic or possible.

Leadership Impact

…….People may not remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them “FEEL”!!

Powerful “Feel” words?• Confident

• Motivated

• Inspired

• Creative

• Enthusiastic

• Respected

• Energizing

• Proud

Thank You vs. Acknowledgement

Thank youMike, thank you for all your work in

our association and congratulations on winning your award.

AcknowledgementMike, what an honor to be selected

as “Who Would I Want to Work For” award winner as a part of the Bridge to Significance program. I want you to know I truly admire you for who you are and what you represent. You rate so very high in my book in the area of integrity and I know you have a heart as big as Texas. You don’t select “easy”, rather you select “right”. In this world of people wanting to find the “easy” button, guys like you stand out even more.

Acknowledgements

Speak to the DNA of a person Their qualities as a person Their attributes which make a positive

impactHave tremendous lasting impactMust be written from the heart

It’s not:

A thank you for a job well doneRecognition for an action

Activity

1). Reflect on someone who deserves to receive an acknowledgement from you.

2). Write it

Widgy Wisdoms on Leadership

A Challenge CriticismNever fear a conversation with good

intentions that speaks from the heartNever go wrong doing the “right” thingsIf one’s best effort isn’t getting it done;

need a “better” best effortOur communication should be timely,

respectful, and articulateEqual isn’t fair; fair isn’t equal

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Widgy Wisdoms on Leadership

We have customers to serve & an association to represent. Honor them bothIt’s OK to be wrong, just not all the timeLack of time is a poor excuse; successful

people find the timePut others before self, or you’ll find

yourself aloneFundament Excellence = consistent

performance

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“Assume” – A different Perspective

AVOID

Should

Someday&

Uncomfortable

Memorable

Experiences

Now the PUSH!

Steve WitgesFarm Credit Mid-AmericaSr VP Ag Lending Email:steve.Witges@e-farmcredit.com