This morning, I met with the Missouri Bankers Association, where several presenters walked through different aspects of banking that are being impacted by a big, beautiful bill—and the areas where they’d like local bank CEOs to advocate. I ended my day in conversation with one of our senators, which reminded me of something important: even if you don’t care much about politics, it still matters that we build real relationships with our lawmakers. At the very least, it ensures that our voices and perspectives are heard.
What really struck me today was the tension that exists between what an association might advocate for and what an individual banker may believe. Associations often aim for consensus, but if the room is dominated by one kind of institution, that voice tends to shape the agenda. And yet, you can be part of a group and still think for yourself.
Did you catch that?
You can be in the room without surrendering your perspective. You can be part of a collective and still carry your own convictions about the business and about policy.
Today reminded me just how much wisdom lives in the gray—in the nuance.