Consistent focus
by Ernie Verslues, MFA President and CEO
"I’ve pushed and pulled. Now it’s time for me to get out of the way."
Regardless of what we do for a living, we are each on a journey of expanding knowledge and skills. Over time, I’ve found that reading can be consistent guide in that journey. The right books can expand perspectives, enhance approaches to critical thinking and develop leadership skills.
As I look back on my tenure as CEO at MFA, my thoughts settle on a book that Dr. Weirich recently brought to the MFA leadership group. It’s called “Flawless Execution.” Its message and the conversations it spurred were compelling enough that I asked the Board of Directors to read it. It is a link to company strategy now.
The book delves into leadership and execution, but the basic principles boil down to: plan, brief, execute, debrief and win. It’s fitting to consider the debrief step as my career wraps up. It’s a look back at the initial actions that shaped my plans.
My first communication with MFA employees stressed the importance of people—the Team. That focus hasn’t changed. Colin Powell, a four-star general and former Secretary of State, once said that “organization doesn’t really accomplish anything. Neither do plans. Theories of management don’t much matter. But endeavors succeed and fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.” I believe MFA is blessed with some of the best talent in the industry.
Looking back at my first Viewpoint article in April 2015, I pointed out:
• The health of MFA is dependent on sustained, smart growth.
• The important focus must be on profitable growth.
• That process will require stretching capital expenditures and lease limits.
• Decisions will continue to be based on creating the best returns for both customers and MFA.
• It must be the result of strategic planning and informed decisions.
This formed a structured base for our plans. While the process continues to improve, the focus and end game have always been consistent. In addition to the management team, your board has been a key part of developing strategy. The actions emerging from that strategy have ranged from being well received to requiring difficult conversations with employees and members. On all counts, they were the right decisions.
It has been a privilege to spend 38 years on Team MFA, and a tremendous honor to serve as President and CEO the past 10 years. I will be forever grateful to the board, the employees and the member-owners we serve.
Thirteen of the 14 directors are new to the board since the beginning of my tenure as CEO. I can assure you the talent, dedication and passion of the board have remained strong. Key responsibilities of the board include: CEO selection, strategy and member engagement.
The board recently went through an extensive process to search for the next CEO. In early July, they selected Bob Huffman from a pool of highly qualified candidates. Bob has roots in Southwest Missouri and comes to us from First District Association in Litchfield, Minnesota. (See article on page 6.) I’ve had the opportunity to talk with Bob a few times over the past few weeks. He is excited about the opportunities at MFA. He has a strong background and track record that will serve him well in this new role. The Team is ready to welcome Bob and get him up to speed on all things MFA.
I will close with a comment made by my predecessor, a valued mentor for much of my career. In a call to action to employees, Bill Streeter let them know they had three options: push, pull or get out of the way.
I’ve pushed and pulled. Now it’s time for me to get out of the way.
Best of luck to everyone. God bless.