Leadership beyond titles: Lead from where you are

Credit professionals play a vital role that goes far beyond managing accounts. Their decisions and insights influence cash flow, customer relationships, risk management and cross-departmental collaboration. Credit practitioners touch nearly every aspect of their organization. 

Why it matters: Sometimes, credit risk specialists lead beyond their job description. Taking the initiative not only sets them apart, but it also strengthens their team and contributes to positive change within their company. 

Leadership is often associated with job titles or years of experience, but the truth is, most people demonstrate leadership long before they ever receive a promotion. Credit professionals are often presented with opportunities to influence others early on in their career. 

“As a trainee at a previous company, I had to travel to India to train our offshore team,” said Scott Dunlap, director of credit and collections at Coleman Oil Company, LLC (Lewiston, ID). “This experience gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed and made me a subject matter expert for similar situations.” 

A credit professional’s natural ability to analyze situations, think critically and solve problems allows them to guide others toward better solutions. “Early in my career, I volunteered to work with the IT department to test and write a manual for an auto cash posting program,” said Martine Dyer, CBF, CCRA, credit and collections manager at RES-Restaurant Equipment Service Group, LLC (Addison, IL). “Although I wasn’t in a leadership position, I supported others and helped them get the results that they needed. I even started to problem-solve and find out new ways to gather information.” 

The credit department is the link between many other business functions such as marketing, sales, logistics, customer service, accounts payable and treasury. Through leadership, they can improve collaboration and build trust across departments. “When people see that you’re willing to step in, help and guide when needed, you naturally influence others and help the entire organization run more smoothly,” said Heather Will, CBA, credit manager at Anchor Industries, Inc. (Evansville, IN). 

Tips to hone your leadership skills 

Leadership takes time to master. Being proactive and looking for ways to improve makes all the difference. “You can lead through your actions, attitude and the way you support the team,” said Will. “Continuing your education and attending credit events, like Credit Congress, not only introduces you to peers but also gives you experiences and lessons you’ll carry throughout your career. Those moments stick with you and help shape the kind of leader you become, even without a formal title.” 

Taking the time to mentor others helps credit risk specialists develop a wide range of skills. “Helping new team members learn processes, best practices and offering guidance during difficult situations inspires teamwork and grants you leadership visibility as well,” said Ashley Kusiolek, AR specialist at Trinity Logistics (Seaford, DE). “You’re also able to sharpen your technical skills, such as financial statement analysis, risk assessment and collection strategies.” 

Being aware of the needs of others enables you to better influence those within and outside your department. “Paying attention to your team fosters mutual understanding and allows you to make better judgments,” said Jill Burns, CBA, regional credit analyst at ABC Supply Co., Inc. (Beloit, WI).  

Challenging yourself by going for responsibilities outside of your comfort zone helps inspire others to do the same. “About seven years ago I was given an opportunity to start public speaking within my company, which was nerve-wracking for me at first,” said Burns. “Once I mastered it, I brought in other members of my team, which gave them the opportunity to learn and grow so that they may pass it on to others.” 

Bottom line: Great leaders don’t wait for a title—they start making a difference immediately. Credit professionals who choose to lead not only advance in their roles, but also make a lasting difference in the careers, confidence and success of everyone around them. Want to hear more on this topic? Join us at this year’s Credit Congress & Expo, and attend the session, “Lead from Your Position.”