dispatches from the new world of work

Notes from the Road

I spoke to CO-OP Network today. They run the most extensive, co-operative ATM (EFT, deposit sharing) network serving credit unions. It is a true co-op, as the participating credit unions own them. I have a warm spot for then—the D.C. based Navy Federal Credit Union was my first "bank." They face enormous challenges—as every aspect of financial services becomes more and more competitive.

While it is great to be on the road (out of the U.S.), it's also great to be home. One can push and prod far more effectively in one's own culture.

I'm staying at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; if there's more attentive service most anywhere, I'd be surprised. I'm off to Carbondale, CO, by car to visit my oldest stepson, Max. One more to go—Sunday in Anaheim—and my 6-week hiatus begins. This current trip, in 10 days: VT-Boston-London-Johannesburg-Mauritius-Dubai-
Frankfurt-Göteborg-Stockholm-London-Denver-Colorado Springs (so far).

[For the PPTs, you can use the links below.—CM]
CO-OP Network, Colorado Springs, CO
CO-OP Network, Long Version

Tom Peters posted this on 06/01/07.

Comments

As an attendee of the CO-OP Financial Services Conference, I had the opportunity to see Tom's presentation on 6/1/07. For me, the man and the message were both truly inspiring. Tom helped remind me of why I decided to accept the CEO position at my credit union nearly seven years ago. His presentation also served as a much needed slap in the face by showing me how much I have unintentionally strayed from the original vision I was given. I have allowed the influences of generally well intended external forces to move me, and therefore my credit union, off track. As a result, we have become entirely too wrapped up with trying to be "one of the big guys", way too risk averse, afraid to fail and slow to act as a result of "paralysis by analysis". It's time to change all of that!

Thanks very much and God bless!

Posted by Wally Murray at June 3, 2007 9:16 AM

'As a result, we have become entirely too wrapped up with trying to be "one of the big guys", way too risk averse, afraid to fail and slow to act as a result of "paralysis by analysis". It's time to change all of that!'

Well said Wally - there are a few hundred CEO's in the UK National Health Service who should read your inspiring words and act accordingly ..... sadly they won't.

Posted by Trevor Gay at June 3, 2007 3:09 PM

Wally, you are far, far too kind. (And, along with 100% of the rest of us, a member of the "Whoops, I lost track of why I did this in the first place" club; as I think I said, my "back to basics" trip to Siberia was my personal wakeup call last year.)

Posted by tom peters at June 4, 2007 10:50 AM

Professor Nigel Nicholson on BBC Business website when advising a new company owner.

â€˜Your job is to be the CHIEF SERVANT of your organisation - helping your staff to delight your consumers.â€™

I love that! I'm just musing how many CEO's see it that way. Wally excepted of course.

Here is the BBC link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6688863.stm

Posted by Trevor Gay at June 4, 2007 11:34 AM