Looking Forward

At a Comerica Economic Forecast luncheon today, we paused to remember the bravery, sacrifice and resilience of so many on this 11th anniversary of 9/11.  And we also expressed gratitude for the incredible freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America.  Though it would have been easy to avoid this date, it was appropriate to glance back, yet honor the ultimate sacrifice of so many by hosting a forward looking event. 

Odd Woman Out - Everything Else is Connected

Recently, at the opening of Comerica's Community Resource Center at Change Happens, a woman named Maya and I were visiting with two precious young girls who were participating in the agency's summer program.  Maya's not a common name, and amazingly our two companions also had uncommon names that rhymed with hers.  Since these grade school girls obviously had no business cards, I can't capture the spelling of their rhyming names, but they were all amazed when I pointed out their special connection.

Who would ever guess that the name Pam or Pamela was the odd woman out in a group of four?

Controlling the Controllables

As I've previously mentioned, Sterling Bank is being acquired by Comerica.  The merger is terrific for shareholders and customers.  Employees are understandably reacting to this major change in a variety of ways.  Many of us quickly embraced the change and others are struggling with the uncertainty. Even when there isn't a change as significant as this one, things are constantly changing in our personal and professional lives.  And there are always varying degrees of comfort in dealing with change.  Exercising higher degrees of flexibility and risk tolerance can smooth the transitions that change brings.  When we look beyond the comfort of our known environment we can begin to focus on controlling the controllables.

Things we can control include:

• attitude
• emotions
• approach
• reaction
• sense of humor
• patience
• productivity

It's reassuring to remember that there are many elements of change that are totally within our control.

Embrace Change

I've spent the past 5 years of my career with Sterling Bank.  It's an amazing organization with bright, dedicated associates who are all referred to as bankers.  We know that our goal is to help Texans prosper. 

Yesterday, we announced that Comerica is acquiring us.  There seems to be a terrific strategic, geographic and cultural fit in merging the organizations.  The deal still requires shareholder and regulatory approval and is expected to close mid-year, with the transition to the new organization completed by late 2011.

There are always many unknowns when we face a major change, but embracing the possibilities is the best way I've found to help myself and others through the change process.  Though I don't know what I'll be doing professionally this time next year, I know the journey will be exciting.