Left to right: Patricia Ballard, Retail Area Manager; Gene Perkins, Managing Director, Private Wealth Management;
Bill Matthews, Chairman, Board of Directors; Frank Walthall, Executive Committee Chair, Board of Directors;
Jim Manley, President; Sharon Williamson, Mortgage Market Manager
What are the most important leadership lessons you have learned
over the years? First of all, don't be afraid to admit when you've made
a mistake. Second, realize you will never have all the answers. And
third, it is impossible to over communicate. Consistent communication
is the key to an effective TEAM and ultimately an effective business.
In your opinion, what is the single biggest mistake a leader can
make? Not communicating enough so that everyone understands
what is required and then, not holding people accountable once
expectations are clear.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
What do you look for and how do you hire good people? Our best
hires tend to be referrals from resources we've cultivated over a long
period of time. Making strong talent management decisions are the
most important ones we make, so we invest in that process as much as
we do growing our business. While specific skills and competencies are
often necessary depending on the job, we tend to focus first on innate
qualities like communication skills, a desire to win and strong personal
drive, ethics and initiative.
Jim Manley
MACON MAGAZINE I 55
