The recent "Chairman's Corner" article by Debbie Matz in February's installment of The NCUA Report was very enlightening. According to Matz's article, volunteer directors are integral to the proper functioning, direction and control of credit unions. She rightfully calls it "a mighty responsibility."

One way to move toward having a highly effective board is to try to make sure varied opinions are brought forward during board meeting discussions.

Michael Daigneault told attendees of CUES Symposium: A CEO/Chairman Exchange today in Bonita Springs, Fla., that one effective way to facilitate board discussion is by measuring “five-finger consensus.”

With bad news all around us, and never-before-seen events like corporate stabilization hitting from every direction, it wouldn't be surprising if credit union leaders were feeling a little down.

But exemplary leadership requires that we pay attention to how we manage ourselves and shift within a changing environment. Change can be internally driven or externally forced upon us, as in the current economy. How we react to change is critically important to a successful outcome or even minimum survival.