What Your Credit Union Can Learn From Wendy's

Yes, that Wendy's.

In the past week or so, Wendy's training videos from the 80's have surfaced on teh internets. The videos teach employees how to do a myriad of tasks, including pouring drinks, ladling chilli and keeping one's workstation clean.

Normal, right? Except that in true 80's style, the lessons are rapped and/or sung to a cheesy synthetic pop beat.

Check out "Chili Can Be Served With Cheese"

Now, I won't even begin to pretend to know the ins and outs of 80's culture since I spent the better half of the decade as only a thought. However, it seems like there's something to be learned from the corporate culture that birthed these videos. But before we get to that, here's my favorite, aptly entitled "Hot Drinks."

So, what can credit unions learn from these videos?

Are you ready for it?

Really?

I'm about to give you the secret...

Here goes...

Life (including employee training) Does Not Have To Be Boring!

Let me acknowledge something: 20 years after these videos were produced, they are dated and cringe-worthy. That being said, I think its a valiant effort on behalf of Wendy's. The majority of their workforce was and is young people, and their attempts to reach them in this way is actually quite awesome. 

Training will never be completely fun or exciting - but putting some thought into the process will make for more alert and responsive trainees. 

In the finance sector, we have a tendency to take ourselves entirely too seriously. We don't have to turn our branches into a Young Jeezy video, but acknowledging that an injection of fun can make a world of difference when it comes to happy employees can boost morale and your bottom line.

In an article for Men's Wearhouse, Matt Weinstein sums this sentiment up succinctly: Treat Your Employees Better Than Your Customers. 

When it comes to engaging your employees to maximize their potential and happiness, where does your credit union rank? What does that engagement look like?

Now, enjoy this video that may or may not also be a Calvin Klein commercial entitled "Cold Drinks."

DeAndre'