Dreams Can Be Dangerous
What dreams will credit unions foster: those of the members of those of the institution? Chip Filson warns that dreams can be dangerous when they fall out of line with our values.
Who is NCUA’s Customer?
Chip Filson ponders who the NCUA serves: members, credit unions, the Treasury, or maybe something else.
False Prophets and Chasing Idols
Chip Filson shares the wisdom of past leaders and urges today’s credit union leaders not to follow the call of false idols, but to follow their conscience in preserving the credit union difference.
Technology Versus Slow Checkouts
In a world of self-service and convenience, Chip Filson examines ways in which companies are looking to slow things down and connect with their customers and how that might apply to credit unions.
Call Federal, 60 Years Young and Still Run with Passion
Chip Filson shares the story of how one credit union started over sixty years ago, and why the credit unions has stuck firm to its goal of providing “passionately local banking.”
Rating Examiners for a Stronger Cooperative System
While private businesses have incorporated user reviews to improve satisfaction, but few such examples exist between governor and governed. Chip Filson argues why credit unions needs a way to review examiners to improve the system.
A Jubilee Event
Read more at chipfilson.com “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” We say these words in the Lord’s prayer. Where have we seen this ever done in “real” life? Society, especially market-based ones, do not practice debt forgiveness. Capitalism is built on finance, i.e. all kinds of debt—corporate,...
Transparency: the Co-op Leader’s Advantage
Transparency is an essential element of good leadership, argues Chip Filson. But how do CEOs achieve such openness and how can a CEO evaluate their success?
Subdebt: The Fastest Growing Balance Sheet Account for Credit Unions
As more and more credit unions take on sub-debt, Chip Filson ponders the incentive behind acquiring such debt, what risks come along with it, and how these accounts will play out in the long term.
FOMO Business Decisions
In the age where good things go quickly and buyers need to act fast to get what they want, Chip Filson cautions credit unions from falling into the habit of purchasing banks out of FOMO instead of member focus.
