There are qualities in people and organizations that experts, trying to predict future performance, routinely miss. That includes internal alignment of team members around a strong corporate culture.

National ad campaigns are impressive. But few things create more goodwill or lasting impact than visible, hands-on support of a community's youth, no matter the size of the bank.

While many may roll their eyes at the idea, the practice of decorating a bank branch for the holidays, or otherwise changing up its outward presentation, has a real impact on customers' attention.

Replacing employees is expensive in terms of both time and money. The real management challenge is identifying the drivers of employee churn and eliminating them.

Banks that embrace, promote, and support a principled sales culture discover that it not only fuels growth but also strengthens their brand and deepens customer trust.

Whether they plan on it or not, most managers will at some point find themselves in a bubble that bad news fails to penetrate. The best leaders are the ones actively trying to burst it.

The continued investment in branches is a continued investment in bankers. A well-trained, motivated banker turns a physical location into a relationship hub.

The insights of frontline employees can be invaluable tools for improving a bank's operations. It's up to executives to get out of the office and listen to what they have to teach them.

What does a movie about managing an unruly honky-tonk bar have to do with banking? When it comes to setting examples for corporate culture, maybe a lot more than you think.

Don't discount the impact of having your bank's name and logo on small, everyday items that customers and potential customers will see every day.