Tuesday, December 10, 2024

random thoughts – Day 1,729 – (Tuesday) – slightly less stressed

The jarring news of Monday was alleviated today. There was an information session tonight with the leaders of the acquiring bank and team members of my bank. The drive out of Lowell wasn’t too bad, and then it felt like a parade of vehicles turning into the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center. I felt a bit like I was attending a funeral while crossing the parking lot to the hotel. It was weird. 

There were three festive Christmas trees glowing warmly in a nearby corner of the meeting room. As lovely as the trees were, the prevailing mood in the room was leaning a bit towards somber.

The bank leadership team with executives from retail, commercial, wealth, operations and technology, HR, and the CEO told us about themselves and their areas of the bank, and how they landed with the organization. They shared the many ways our two banks are similar. This isn’t their first acquisition (one leader is on their 12th) and they clearly have a system in place. I trust they know what they are doing.

We were able to submit questions in advance and many of these were addressed by the various leaders. The answers provided were direct and reassuring. It helped. A lot. What a difference good communication makes. The general mood was a lot lighter after the presentation. Most of the colleagues I chatted with felt relieved after the meeting.

Warming trays all in a row.
There was a buffet outside the meeting room. I neglected to check out the food before the meeting and was starving by the end, so I pounced and grazed. I explored the meatballs, spring rolls, crab rangoons, and meat on a stick. There were also cookies and brownies. 

My socializing took place near the buffet with a plate in hand instead of in the ballroom with most of the attendees. It was less crowded out there, so I didn't get all weird and awkward. 

It's a relief to have heard about the process for this next chapter from the folks in charge. We'll all be mostly okay.

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