A Message From Outgoing 2017 Chair Emma Lafreniere
Happy New Years everyone! I love this time of year as many people take a few minutes to intentionally reflect on the struggles or successes of the past year and set out on a path to achieve new goals and live out their vision for the New Year.
Sadly, the change of the calendar year for me this year also means the reflecting and bringing to a close my time on the CUYLM committee, and past year as committee chair. As I have spent time reflecting on the busyness of CUYLM this past year and my role as chair, I can’t help but be filled with intense gratitude for this opportunity given to me.
People often ask me about CUYLM and what is all involved with being on the committee, and I always have two responses:
One, this is an ACTIVE committee! As I look back over my calendar of events and all the time spent attending and preparing for events, I am reminded of the question I am always asking myself and as a committee we challenge each other with, “is this adding value to the system”. This is always our key focus.
And I say this humbly, CUYLM has been the single most impacting development challenge I have ever taken on. It has stretched me and provided opportunity for me to grow in so many ways. It has allowed me to meet and work with SO many amazing, talented and passionate people from all over the country who I now call my friends.
So, instead of summarizing all the many successful events of this year (and there are lots!), I would like to leave you with a few leadership lessons I have learnt during my time on the CUYLM committee.
1. Define your core values. I had the privilege of attending the annual CUMAM conference this past year and listened to Drew Dudley from Day One Leadership. Drew really challenged us as leaders to define 3-5 core values, and then create for yourself a question that you can ask yourself each day to determine if you lived out your leadership legacy that day. An example of one of my core values that I have posted in my office is IMPACT. “What have I done today to make someone else’s day better by interacting with me?”
2. Set goals/challenge yourself. Do something you’re scared to do. This past spring Jody McPherson and myself were asked to be one of six speakers to facilitate a working session at the CUCM Convention, speaking to Board Members, CEO’s and senior executives about ‘Millenials in the Workplace’. This was a huge opportunity for CUYLM to add value, but came with some nerves. I am so happy to say that rising up to this challenge was a huge win for CUYLM and has continued to open other doors for us to be called upon by CUCM and executives for having input and having a seat at the table for other system discussions. Maybe your goal is further education, taking that new promotion, or getting up in front of your peers to make a presentation. Whatever it is, if it scares you a little or the opportunity to grow is there, say yes!
3. Look around you, and lead outwards. Remember that leadership is a journey, and never one you are taking alone. CUYLM has taught me CUYLM January 2017 Newsletter to truly collaborate with others and cheer on my peers in their own challenges and successes. Remember that leadership at times means serving others, believing in others, and being the biggest cheer leader of all. A quote that I heard during my first year on the CUYLM committee that really stuck with me and changed my approach towards my 3 year term is “The goal of a leader is to create more leaders!”
4. Live your trademark. I am a huge fan of continued education and learning from others. My office reflects that with a library of the world’s most sought out leadership authors and brilliant minds, but at some point you need to live it out for yourself. You need to be the leader that you aspire to be in the big moments AND in the small. Remember that YOU get to teach people each day about who you are and who you are aspiring to become. “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark”
In closing I would like to thank my fellow CUYLM committee members, past and present for all your tireless dedication and infectious passion, and the Credit Union leaders from across the province who continually support us. The future looks bright I will definitely be watching to see the outcome of the BIG Idea Challenge and the upcoming Spring Conference, and I will always be cheering you on!
#CUpride
Emma Lafreniere
