Musings from the CU Suite

Oct 25, 2018

Communication? Or...Communication!

Written by Anthony Demangone, Powered by NAFCU

Hello from Annapolis, and NAFCU's Management and Leadership Institute.

Yesterday, we heard from three organizations on HR and "people" issues. 

The number one problem at each credit union?  Poor communication.

This kicked off a huge discussion on how to improve communication at the organizational level.  But it got me thinking.

I once was expecting a report from a NAFCU colleague. I sent him an email, and asked "When can I expect that?"

Well, that's what I thought I typed. Instead, I typed this:

"When can I expect that!"

I mistakenly put in an exclamation point instead of a question mark. 

My colleague dropped everything he was doing to finish and polish the report, and when he responded, I could tell that he was a bit unsettled. And then when I saw my email, I saw why.

Organizational communication is a huge issue. But you can start with yourself right now. In your next email. Take your time. Think. Be clear. Concise. 

Start with you.

Annapolis
A typical view in Annapolis. 

About the Author

Anthony Demangone, Executive Vice President and COO, NAFCU

Anthony Demangone, NCCO is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at NAFCU, where he oversees day-to-day operations and manages the association's education, marketing, membership, human resources, building facilities, finance and information technology functions. He also authors NAFCU's executive blog, Musings from the CU Suite and co-authored "Managing and Leading Well," a book for credit union leaders, with NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger.

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