Leadership Archive

Leadership is not just a title; it’s a commitment to steering the course of an industry that is ever evolving. The National Association of Credit Management (NACM) proudly introduces its newly appointed chair, a seasoned professional with a proven track record of excellence … JoAnn Malz, CCE, ICCE, director of credit, collections and billing at The Imagine Group LLC (Shakopee, MN). As a dedicated credit professional and NACM member, Malz has big plans and a strategic vision for the future of the industry and our association.

Learning a new language requires patience and practice to fully grasp its nuances. It is a form of communication with words, abbreviations and symbols to relay meaning. Even simpler abbreviations such as EOD (end of day) or WFH (work from home), acronyms simplify communication and present a sense of belonging when using the terms correctly—especially in your workplace. Credit professionals across all industries have their own abbreviations or terms to use relative to their department and customers, but some terms are universal—and every credit professional should have an idea of what they m…

As businesses navigate through dynamic economic landscapes, the significance of credit managers as strategic leaders cannot be overstated. Their role extends far beyond managing credit; they are the guardians of financial stability, charting courses through uncertainties and steering organizations toward sustainable growth.

In B2B transactions, trade credit allows customers to purchase what they need and pay at a later date. It’s an effective way to make and collect on sales for businesses. Though it allows flexibility, the reality of extending a line of credit exposes any business to potential risk when lending to new customers. Determining creditworthiness of a customer is one of the basic, yet essential principles in credit—and reflects how likely a customer will pay back a line of credit. It’s an important assessment to make in the process of dealing with any customer, current or new. So, here’s how to ass…

Public speaking—the ability to articulate ideas and topics to public audiences—is a skill that every professional should master. But the fear of public speaking is more common than you’d think. Even the most seasoned business professionals still get clammy hands or nervous sweats when presenting a speech. In fact, 75% of the population has a fear of public speaking; but, why?

Burnout has become a corporate vampire, draining the life out of employees through emotional exhaustion and lost productivity. By understanding the causes of and the preventative measures for burnout, credit professionals can maintain the physical and mental well-being of their credit team as well as improve performance in the workplace.

A written delegation of authority (DOA) is a crucial document in any organization, serving as a blueprint for effective management and decision-making. The DOA is meant to define and clarify roles, responsibilities and levels of authority of individuals within the organization. By clearly outlining who has the power to make specific decisions or take certain actions, it minimizes confusion, reduces the risk of duplicated efforts and empowers employees to take accountability.

Finding your leadership style is a journey of self-discovery and continuous growth. It begins with introspection and an honest assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, values and beliefs. Understanding who you are as a leader is the first step before successfully leading a team.