ELS Spotlight With Kayla Patrick
Kayla Patrick is a Compliance Officer at Stone Bank in Mountain View, Arkansas.
I am a Compliance Officer for Stone Bank and have worked here since 2016, where I started as a Loan Assistant. Making sure the bank adheres to set internal and external rules and evaluating policies/procedures to ensure they are in line with all guidance is top priority for my position however there are several other tasks that I oversee that are also important.
I have worked for big banks but working for Stone Bank has offered up many opportunities that larger banks don’t. Working for Stone Bank, I’ve been given multiple opportunities to be involved in projects that have helped me to grow within my position and make me a better banker. Also, working for Stone Bank I’ve been given several opportunities to help out within my community. My favorite community service is the monthly Veteran ceremony where we recognize a Veteran and their service in the military.
What is the most important leadership lesson that you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned in leadership is that the same process doesn’t work for everyone. What works well for me may not work for someone else. While I understand there are procedures for everything not everyone sees a problem the same way or works at the same pace. My most important leadership lesson is that everyone is different and learns things at their own pace and that to be an effective leader I have to treat everyone equal but equal doesn’t have be the same approach for everyone.
What is the greatest advice you have ever been given?
Seems cliché, but “tomorrow is a new day”. No matter what happens today, tomorrow is a new day full of new opportunities!
What does effective leadership look like to you?
Effective leadership is to lead by example. If I haven’t done it then I don’t really understand the issues. If others see me doing the same things I am asking them to do, it helps me to gain their respect and buy-in. Leading people to me also means helping them better themselves, helping them grow and find ways to improve. It’s not just about making sure people do what they are supposed to, it’s about helping them improve and set and reach goals.