Our Fundamentals
Our Fundamentals are the core of our culture here at HomeTrust Bank, not mere guidelines. They encapsulate the values we hold and serve as a guiding light for our conduct in every facet of our business.
When we say that our Fundamentals define our culture, we mean they shape the very essence of who we are as a bank. They influence the way we engage with our clients, ensuring that their needs are always our top priority and that we deliver the highest level of service. Our Fundamentals steer us in forging strong relationships with our strategic partners, fostering collaboration and innovation to achieve mutual success. And above all, they govern how we treat each other as a team, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
It is through the lens of our Fundamentals that we have achieved extraordinary success. They serve as the driving force behind our team’s exceptional accomplishments, inspiring us to go above and beyond for our clients and for one another. Our Fundamentals motivate us to Be Relentless About Improvement, to Think and Act Like an Owner, and to Do the Right Thing, Always.
Ultimately, they remind us that our success is not solely measured by numbers, but by the positive impact we make on the lives of those we serve.
Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and in every decision you make, especially when no one’s looking. Always tell the truth, no matter the consequences. If you make a mistake, own up to it, apologize, and make it right.
Stay forward-thinking. Don’t be complacent about constant improvement. Solve problems before they happen by anticipating future issues and addressing them in advance. Help your team navigate uncertainties by planning for contingencies. Preventing issues is always better than fixing them.
You have the power to choose your attitude. Choose to be joyful, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.
It’s about us, not about you. Don’t let your ego or personal agenda get in the way of doing what’s best for the team. Be there for each other and be willing to step into another role or help a co-worker when that’s what’s required for success. Help each other succeed.
Listening is more than simply “not speaking.” Give others your undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Minimize the distractions and let go of the need to agree or disagree. Suspend your judgment and be curious to know more, rather than jumping to conclusions. Above all, listen to understand.
Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what you mean, and be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said with courtesy. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.
Be open to learning from others, no matter what role they have, and regardless of their age, background, experience, race, or tenure with our company. We make better decisions when we consider multiple perspectives.
Take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. Be resourceful and show initiative. Be part of the solution.
Demonstrate a relentless solution focus, rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to improve ourselves and our processes so we don’t make the same mistake twice. Get smarter with every mistake. Learn from every experience.
Make good decisions by relying primarily on facts and data, rather than solely on opinions or emotions. Analyze the data and use this information to make better decisions.
Missing just one detail can have an enormous impact on a customer or teammate. Be a fanatic about accuracy and precision. The goal is to get things right, not simply to get them done. Double-check your work. Get the details right the first time.
Get to know your customers and co-workers on a more personal level. Talk more and e-mail less. Understand what makes others tick and what’s important to them. Strong relationships enable us to work through difficult issues and challenging times more successfully.
Healthy, vigorous debate creates better solutions. Debate concepts without making personal attacks. Check your ego and push for the best solution, rather than your solution. Triangulate your view with people who are willing to disagree, then get fully aligned by putting your complete support behind the decision that is made.
Be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job... plus a little bit more. Whether it’s starting early, staying late, or doing something that’s not in your job description, it’s the extra mile that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Innovation, improvement, and success don’t come from playing it safe. They come from a thoughtful and intentional willingness to try the unconventional and to ask, “What if?” Try a new way. Think differently.
Our relationships go deeper than simply being teammates at work. We genuinely care for and about each other. Whether it’s a kind word during a tough stretch, a friendly smile each morning, or a helping hand in stressful times, show your compassion.
Make decisions by asking yourself, “What would I do if this were my bank? What would I do if this were my own money? What would make this an even better place to work? Will this help the organization succeed?”
Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Set expectations for others and ask when you’re not clear on what they expect of you. End all meetings with clarity about action items, responsibilities, and due dates without over-promising.
Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. This includes being on time for all phone calls, appointments, meetings, and promises. If a commitment can’t be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new deliverable to be honored.
Recognizing people doing things right is more effective than pointing out when they do things wrong. Regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our organization.
Work from the assumption that people are good, fair, and honest, and that the intent behind their actions is positive. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
Have a passion for what we do and be fully engaged. Make the most of each day by approaching every task with energy, focus, purpose, and enthusiasm. Work with a sense of urgency to get things done.
Regularly evaluate the way you/we work to make improvements focused on our future. Remain in “change and improve” mode instead of “maintenance” mode. Guard against complacency. Find ways to get things done better, faster, and more efficiently.
Respond to questions and concerns quickly, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or by e-mail. This includes simply acknowledging that we got the question and we’re “on it,” as well as keeping those involved continuously updated on the status of outstanding issues.
Be a lifelong learner. Seek out and take advantage of every opportunity to gain more knowledge, to increase your skills, and to become a greater expert. Be resourceful about learning and sharing best practices.
Share information and work together. Collaborate internally and with our customers and partners to find better solutions. Collaboration generates better ideas than does working alone. Be inclusive.
Demonstrate a passion for excellence and take pride in the quality of everything you touch and everything you do. Have a healthy disdain for mediocrity. Good is not good enough. Always ask yourself, “Is this my best work?”
Be an agent of change who helps us get to the next level. Get outside your comfort zone, rather than hanging on to old ways of doing things. Be excited by the possibilities that change and growth bring. Be flexible. Keep moving forward.
Find ways to make working with you/us easier. Provide simple and complete instructions. When in doubt, do more rather than pushing the work back to others. Streamline our processes. Simplify everything. Be ridiculously helpful.
Every conversation, phone call, e-mail, letter, and even voicemail, sets a tone and creates an impression. Pay attention to every interaction and be sure you’re setting a tone that’s friendly, warm, and helpful.
Own and protect your work-life balance. Know and communicate boundaries and when you need to take a break to refresh and recharge. To give your best, you must be at your best. Be a steward of our most valuable resource: you!
Work on the projects that matter and move the bank forward. Execute that work as quickly and productively as possible, without sacrificing safety or quality. Don’t put off till tomorrow what can be completed today. Deal with it now. Get stuff done.
While our passion for excellence is real, remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Don’t take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Laugh every day.
Fundamental Favorites
29. Deliver an Effortless Experience
Throughout my career I have said the client experience is what will set us apart from competitors. We all offer the same products and services, but I guarantee you we won’t offer the same experience. I want to make things easy and go above and beyond to help a client or a teammate. A financial journey is very personal, and when we are “ridiculously helpful” that’s how we truly build trust and develop relationships.
Professional Banker
Kelli Bagley
8. Be Objective
I discovered I could improve my decision making by putting my experience into action. I focus on gathering the facts, data, and insights from those I trust and asking the right questions to get the best answer. This helps me make a decision, set the course of action, monitor the results, and move on.
Director of Municipal Finance
John Tench
12. Invest in Relationships
We’re in the business of relationships so getting to know each other and our customers. The fundamental says talk more, email less. There’s an art to having a conversation, joy in hearing laughter, and connection when you interact with another. When we’re hustling to get to the next event, be the first to market, or the best in our field, it’s easy to miss the opportunity to connect and lift each other up.
Licensed Relationship
Development Banker
Justin Perri
20. Show Meaningful Appreciation
Showing someone you care, you listened, you stopped for a moment to reiterate that what they did or what they said mattered is important. I don’t think appreciation has to come in grand gestures - it’s more the thought that matters. Even small words of encouragement or appreciation go a long way in making someone’s day special.
Consumer Banking Group Executive
Kristin Powell
24. Be a Fanatic About Response Time
I love being informed, or put another way, I get very uncomfortable when I do not have enough necessary information or if I am awaiting a key piece of information. Look to respond quickly to questions and concerns - don’t be afraid to let people know you are working on a solution even if you do not have the answer. People will respect that you care about their time.
President, Virginia Market
Adam Shores
3. Be Positive
A positive attitude can often be the determining factor between success and failure. Problems are inevitable, but how we react to them can make all the difference in overcoming obstacles. Consciously choose to be joyful and optimistic every day. You will soon find that positive attitude will provide motivation for excellence, not only for yourself but those around you. Attitude is altitude!
Senior Credit Officer
Cathy Hartman
26. Collaborate
Looking back over my career, and with my current team, a great deal of learning and growth - both technical skills and interpersonal skills - have come from collaborating with peers and teammates. Discussing challenges and obtaining different viewpoints or angles to solve problems is a catalyst for growth. The result is a win for the client, the bank, and personal development.
Commercial Banking Group Executive
John Sprink
7. Embrace Diverse Perspectives
In a recent job interview, I asked the candidate what elements helped a team work well together. Their response included a statement about respecting the contributions and opinions of teammates, regardless of their experience or education level, and being humble enough to acknowledge when their ideas may be better. I am happy to say this person is now on our team.
Director of Compliance and Operational Risk
Molly Ponder
22. "Bring It" Every Day
To me, this fundamental is the “adrenaline shot” which enhances all the others. If I decide that building relationships is important, then I have to give it all I’ve got. If I need to perfect work/life balance, then I need to bring it 100%. Every fundamental receives a boost of effectiveness when we think of them through the lens of #22.
President, Tri-Cities Market
Corey Webb