Tim Carter President and CEO OmniAmerican Bank
Tim Carter’s desk isn’t inside an office. It’s inside a stadium. Talk about elbowroom in this spacious, western-style abode. When not sitting at his computer, he’s at his small, compact desk. When not as his desk, he’s engaging OmniAmerican Bank staffers a few feet away at a round table. When not at the round table he’s just a few more feet on a sofa facing two chairs. And a fireplace. “Basically, I have three offices in here,” he says. “At my actual desk I’m reading reports or studying something or reading the Business Press.” There’s great stuff all around, including one terrific, ninth floor view, but let’s see what’s on the desk by his computer.
1. Letterman Clock. In recognition of his four-year tenure as a swimmer for the University of Texas Longhorns.
2. Five-Year Award. This plaque goes out to all employees as they hit service years milestones. Carter usually signs the plaque for employees. “So the Chairman of the Board signed mine.”
3. Executive Management Team photo. “We had a Tackiest Christmas Celebration. I was Santa Claus even though I look like ZZ Top.” Would get a kick out of the one where they dressed up as cheerleaders. If only it weren’t shredded.
4. Files To-Do. This pile fluctuates, depending on the workload. “I go through this pile daily. It reminds me: what am I doing next?”
5. The Key to Success. “We talk about execution being the key. That you are the key to success.” Based on the book Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done, which was given to Leadership Team members.
6. How To Books. “We do a lot of training on how to coach people. Leadership matters. Organizational change. The good old fashioned Dale Carnegie. I figure the more you read, the more you get better. Maybe by osmosis or something.”
7. Crystal Gavel. Keepsake from his days as Mayor of Houston-area Bellaire, where he served from 1988 to 1992. “I still play like I have the gavel.”
8. The View. While sitting at his round table, visitors get to enjoy the scenic 9th floor views of the Trinity River, downtown Fort Worth and construction of the Chisholm Trail Parkway.
Quote: “I don’t like to sit and talk with people behind my desk. I don’t think that’s polite.”