GALLUP® Coaching Powers Members First CU

Members First Credit Union is proud to be a strengths-based organization, guided by its Gallup-Certified Strengths Coaches Marcie Long, Chief People & Strategy Officer, and Noelle Robinson, VP of Culture & Employee Development. Their leadership empowers M1 team members to identify and build upon their unique talents, fostering personal growth and enhanced teamwork that benefits the credit union’s members.

GALLUP®, a global analytics and advisory firm known for its CliftonStrengths® assessment, defines strengths-based organizations as those that weave strengths development into their mission, vision, values, and everyday collaboration. To create a strong coaching culture focused on strengths, Long and Robinson began by working closely with the leadership team, ensuring a solid foundation for all team members to thrive.

As strengths coaches, Long and Robinson believe that everyone needs a coach. Through coaching they emphasize how people and teams can do what they do best every day. “We use Gallup’s CliftonStrengths® assessment to understand the talents of our employees and guide them in strengthening what they do best,” Long explains. “This focus has shown remarkable results; embracing a strengths-based approach, our employee engagement has increased, and M1 been honored as one of American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For for two consecutive years, a true testament to how much our team enjoys being part of the organization." According to Gallup’s research, people who concentrate on their strengths are three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life, and those who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their work.*

 “When employees operate within their strengths, they become more cohesive and energized”, said Robinson. “Teams that focus on their strengths are more productive. We facilitate both one-on-one coaching sessions and team coaching to maximize this impact.”

Long emphasizes the rewarding nature of this work: “It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the positive changes when individuals focus on what they do best. Our team has gained confidence and capability, which directly enhances the quality of service we provide to our members.”

Members First Credit Union’s commitment to a strengths-based culture is fueled by its mission and values. By empowering employees to leverage their natural abilities, the credit union continues to cultivate an engaged workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service and driving positive growth.

*Rath, T. (2007). StrengthsFinder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press.