Global Women's Leadership Network - Pink Paper

WHAT CREDIT UNIONS CAN DO TO PROMOTE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP #1: Deepen credit union succession planning emphasizing women’s leadership roles GWLN members told us that credit unions should undertake more rigorous succession planning that prepares for leadership transitions at various levels of the organization. Credit unions should look deeper, beyond top executives, to examine women supervisors, managers, and associates who can be cultivated for leadership roles. GWLN members also told us that involving executives in succession planning strengthens the opportunity to put women on senior leaders’ radar. #2: Organize Women’s Leader Connectedness Sessions GWLN members also recommend that credit unions strengthen women’s connections to senior leaders who can specifically help them identify what is needed to advance in their careers. For example, one credit union offers “leader connectedness sessions” to build networking opportunities between senior executives and managerial staff that enable women to understand pathways to leadership. Another credit union offers one- on-one sessions specifically focused on bringing senior leaders together with women managers to plot their careers and identify ways to gain additional training and experience. In several cases, GWLN members noted the need for greater involvement by leaders who are men. 2021 GWLN Pink Paper | 9 We for She “Offer time for women to connect with senior executives and/or board members and explore women’s pathways to leadership. This can take place in small groups or 1:1. In either case, connections to senior executives can help advance women’s leadership in credit unions.” IV. GWLN’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADVANCE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN CREDIT UNIONS GWLN listened to our members, both interviewees and survey respondents. We heard the following key issues women face in advancing to leadership in credit unions. ISSUE #1: PROMOTE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP “[We] have senior level executives do the succession planning [so] it gives them visibility. These talent reviews are a time when you speak up on a person’s behalf.”