Barby Pohl

In fact, it’s her most important duty, she says.

As director of retail banking at Great Southern Bank, Pohl leads 280 associates at 35 banking centers and six departments.

Since joining the staff in 2000, she has been responsible for reducing turnover from 183 percent to 48 percent in 2006. She’s accomplished that by bringing focus to the associates, implementing programs that help them improve and providing encouragement.

“I have a passion for their personal and professional development, and I am a steadfast believer in surrounding myself with people who are better than I,” Pohl said.

To facilitate improvement, Pohl meets weekly with managers to give feedback and guidance, has developed performance-award programs, visits every banking center quarterly to offer guidance, and has created performance-monitoring programs to help associates track their progress.

Pohl introduced and created Great Southern’s VIP Banking program, resulting in more than $30 million in deposits, and implemented the Super Service Program, which nearly doubled average customer service scores.

In addition to her work, she also sets an example as an active community member and leader.

She has been a board member of Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer and coordinator for ArtsFest and Cider Days, a coordinator and board member for First Night Springfield, and an instructor for Fresh Start with the Missouri Hotel. Pohl is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, as well as local PTAs.

Pohl has also been a board member of the southwest Missouri chapter of the Bank Administration Institute and has volunteered with the KOZK Pledge Drive and Easter Seals.

“The ability of a leader to influence others is greatly dependent upon the leader’s integrity and ethical standards,” she said.

“From my perspective, true respect can only be earned through leading by example, regardless of the amount of positional power a leader has.”

Of all her accomplishments, her proudest was being selected as one of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2003.

“It was a humbling experience to be a part of an amazing group of successful leaders,” she said.

Pohl has a bachelor of science in administrative management and an associate degree in executive management from Missouri State University.

Personally speaking

As a young child, what did you hope to be when you grew up?

I was a typical girl who loved animals, so I wanted to be a veterinarian. I continued most of my childhood years with that goal in mind. However, upon having to dissect a frog in eighth grade, I realized I needed to select another vocation.

Please tell us about your family.

I have been married for 18 years to my wonderful husband, Don, who is a sales manager at Firestone. He cooks, cleans and takes care of the children, and is extremely accommodating and flexible in his schedule. I have two outstanding children: a 12-year-old boy, Garret, and an 8-year-old girl, Rylee.

What book are you reading now?

“Resonant Leadership” by Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee. This book describes necessary elements for outstanding leadership. Through various exercises, it applies the latest research to show leaders how to sustain their effectiveness. I would recommend it to anyone in a leadership capacity.

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.

I have a twin brother, and we were born on my mother’s birthday.

If you could go back in time, what one person would you most like to meet?

From a business perspective, it would have to be Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric.[[In-content Ad]]