09/03/2026
🌟 September is Workforce Development Month, and throughout the month, we're highlighting C&N teammates who demonstrate the many ways we can help others learn, grow, and discover what's possible in their careers.
We're kicking off our September Employee Spotlights with Bryan Bailey, AVP – Community Office Manager II, and his perspective on something that can make a lasting difference in someone's development: creating opportunities.
For Bryan, developing people starts with looking beyond what someone is doing today and recognizing the qualities they demonstrate every day—their initiative, curiosity, willingness to learn, approach to responsibility, and relationships with customers and teammates.
Sometimes, a leader sees that potential before the employee sees it themselves.
💬 “I believe part of my responsibility as a leader is helping them see those strengths and giving them opportunities to build confidence in them.”
Bryan also believes growth requires us to stretch beyond what's already comfortable:
“You need to get uncomfortable to be comfortable.”
But there's an important distinction. Development isn't about simply giving someone more work. It's about creating meaningful experiences with a purpose—whether that's cross-training, leading something, gaining exposure to another area, or taking on a new responsibility that supports where someone wants to go.
And that development doesn't have to wait until there's a promotion available.
Bryan encourages teammates to start the conversation with their manager, ask questions, share what they're interested in, and be willing to step outside their comfort zone.
💬 “You don't have to wait for a promotion or an open position to start developing yourself. Start now and be ready for that next opportunity when it comes available.”
When we asked Bryan what creating opportunities for others means to him, his answer summed it up perfectly:
💚 Investing in people.
Thank you, Bryan, for helping us kick off Workforce Development Month and for reminding us that sometimes the first step in helping someone grow is seeing the potential they haven't quite recognized in themselves yet.