What does good leadership look like? Common phrases often used to describe essential leadership traits include integrity, humility, communication, self-awareness, gratitude, influence, empathy, courage and respect. Three local retail, small business and commercial banking leaders at Bank of Marin exemplify all of these essential traits and more.

Effective leadership is the ability to influence, inspire, motivate and guide others toward a common goal to achieve extraordinary results. At Bank of Marin, effective leaders help their teammates realize their potential and develop new skills at work, while delivering the legendary service the bank is known for providing its customers.

Lisa Cisneros, FVP and regional retail banking manager, believes that strong leaders set clear goals, provide feedback and reward achievements to drive performance and productivity. “This benefits our teams and our customers,” she says. “The better our teams perform and produce, the more satisfied our customers are.”

Kymla Birchette, VP and market manager leading the Greater Sacramento region, fosters innovation and creativity by encouraging people to think outside the box and solve problems. She says, “Banking is always changing. We encourage creative thinking to identify solutions to meet the needs of our customers.”

“Banking is always changing. We encourage creative thinking to identify solutions to meet the needs of our customers.” Kymla Birchette, VP, Market Manager

Dan Eger, FVP and Sacramento commercial banking manager, strives to create a positive culture and environment where people feel valued and engaged. “It is tried and true: when people feel valued and engaged, they work hard together and win together,” he says.

All three of these successful leaders work hard to build trust and loyalty among their teams by being ethical, inclusive and supportive. In turn, this cohesive work environment leads to a stronger organization focused on the success and well-being of its customers.