Workplace culture

Clint Pulver’s “I Love It Here” provides insights on building a successful workplace culture.

I have to admit I began reading another book for our summer leadership “book report” assignment. But when I started my first book, I found that while it offered plenty of motivational advice and inspirational stories of well-known, successful people, it provided little in the way of techniques or tools to improve one’s leadership acumen or day-to-day performance.

While editing a Credit Union Magazine article, I learned that Sandi Carangi, president/CEO at $99 million asset Mercer County Community Federal Credit Union in Hermitage, Pa., and her leadership read Pulver’s book for insights on keeping employees positive and engaged during a core conversion.

Sandi is among the people I most respect and admire in this industry, so her recommendation gave me enough reason to change. “I Love it Here” was a great choice on Sandi’s part. 

The book is based on more than 10,000 undercover interviews with employees, primarily millennials, to determine what defines a successful workplace culture and how great leaders create organizations people never want to leave.

Through this data-based approach, Pulver provides not only factual insight but step-by-step directions for building a meaningful workplace experience for both the organization and the employees.

At the end of each chapter, for example, Pulver asks questions that challenge readers to begin the process of transforming their own workplaces. Readers can apply the “Mastering your Moments” challenges to areas that include mentoring, building employee loyalty, training, stress release, team building, mental health, and execution.

By answering the questions, following the steps provided, and applying Pulver’s proven principles, leaders truly can make positive changes in their culture with the knowledge gleaned through the pages of “I Love it Here.” 

Just as important, the book’s data-driven approach will stay fresh for sharing valuable and applicable insights throughout credit union human resource and leadership teams for next several years.

RON JOOSS, senior editor, Credit Union National Association.

NEXT: Establish a just cause