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As the credit union industry's Washington Watchdog, NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger noted the importance of engaging and listening to the needs of NAFCU's member credit unions in a new interview with Forbes.

Following conversations with its members, NAFCU implements its strategic plan around the needs of its members institutions and the industry they represent – a characteristic of servant leadership. 

In the Forbes interview, Berger discusses the principles of a servant leader and how he works to embody them every day as president and CEO of NAFCU. "I have found building consensus is so much easier and a better way to lead than throwing a hammer at the problem," said Berger. 

When it comes to employee development, Berger stated, "My job is to make sure that our members are taken care of, so I want the best employee trained in the best possible way, and I'll help them achieve their goals and aspirations."

Berger also noted the importance of developing staff and creating a winning culture. 

"First and foremost, we hire for attitude here. There are a lot of folks out there who have the technical skill set and the knowledge you're looking for, but we don't want to hire people who would be difficult to work with," Berger said.

"Retaining people is extremely difficult. We try to do it through culture."

In a recent column, "You Need To Know This About Credit Unions," Berger was first interviewed by Forbes contributor Bruce Weinstein about how NAFCU takes the creed of its member credit unions to heart and always provides extreme member service. 

Read Weinstein's full Q&A with Berger on leadership here.