Amy, I hear what you are saying as well. I have been sailing in a similar boat. Rough seas and all. At times it seems to get better and THEN...the next month...you feel that you are on the boat again battling waves.
You are right, the hardest ones to persuade to change are the people who have been in banking for many years, you know "been in banking all their lives" It seems that they always want to refer back to "its been done this way for years". After a few years in compliance I am still having, at times, to provide proof. After providing it, the "life-long" banker will say: "That doesn't make sense" or "I don't agree" or "I think they are mistaken" and even "Check with someone else."
Of course, sometimes they are right...a particular regulation along with its procedures don't make good sense.
You're also right...Training these people is no easier than getting them to change procedures. However, some times those who haven't been in banking very long, will sit in on training for an hour on one particular subject. You will stress a particular point. The very next month, they will say, "I didn't know that", when the point comes up again.
People learn by multiple training periods in multiple ways. So keep trucking...I have tried lectures, videos, etc....along with their favorite beverage and food!!!!!!!! The other responses are good also.
Kirchman says to try not to be insulted by these or any other people in your bank. Remember they are only people. It is a natural tendency is to kill the messenger who is bringing the bad news. Kirchman goes on to say that you should tell them you are the friendliest person that they will get the compliance news from...Other possibilites include, examiners, customers or maybe even the media. Which do they perfer?
A long time ago, when I first started in compliance, I was told by a "life-long" compliance officer, that all you have to do is to provide the training, explain that any unclear situations should be addressed to you, document that they received the training, etc...then just move on. He also said that the same applies to getting the procedures changed. Present the new procedures or process to upper management, provide proof (IF NECESSARY). Document that you have notified them....beyond that I am not sure there is much that YOU can be done.
The only additional advice that I can offer you is that you must be persistent. Keep your head up. Be confident.....and after a few years and a couple of good exams, their reception of you and your procedures will improve. Remember, the adage, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."
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The views expressed, herein, are not necessarily those of my employer
[This message has been edited by Kathy Lafleur (edited 12-07-2001).]