A Day in the Life: Leadership Tips from an Insurance Agent

It's probably never someone's first choice nor do I know anyone who has it listed as what they want to be when they grow up, but an Insurance Agent is more than a necessary career in this world. It's an opportunity to make a life-long impact on each person you come in contact with. This is why I want to write about leadership tips from an insurance agent. The effect of the decisions that are made within an insurance agency are lasting. Insurance is an invisible product, customers are paying for peace of mine, so when a loss occurs, customers want to ensure they are covered and are able to resume life before the loss happened. Now, imagine if an agent gave a customer the wrong amount of coverage or didn't emphasize the importance of a certain product, the effects could be devastating to that insured and their family in their time of need. All the more reason why I want to focus on leadership from the agents who protect the world.

I've had the opportunity to shadow and learn under an insurance agent for the past month. While doing so, I've been able to see and hear every conversation within the agency, work their tasks and systems, learn how they operate their business from the ground-up and day-to-day, and most importantly learn from their experiences and understand how they think and view this industry and business.

My knowledge and understanding of this industry and how to successfully run a small business has grown tremendously so I'm sharing the key five things that I observed, which define success and true leadership in this space. Let me reassure you that these five things aren't complex or a secret formula; However, these five things are rare to find and easily make any individual stand out as an exceptional leader and person.

Five Things That Define Success And Leadership In Your Agency

1. Have Passion And Commitment In Your Work
Opening any practice is no small feat to accomplish so you want to make sure you receive the best return on your investment and to achieve that return means passion and commitment to your practice. This should never change during your course as a business owner and your commitment on day one should be the same as on day 365 and years down the road. Find enjoyment in the process, because it's going to be tough.

2. Be A Person Of Your Word
There's nothing worse than being on the receiving end of an unfulfilled promise or commitment. It's disappointing, disheartening, and you easily lose trust and faith in the individual that made the promise to you. As any business owner knows, your customers make or break your business. Being a person of your word is key to success and more importantly is simply a choice. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going", but far too often, people choose to take the easier route when things get difficult. Do you want to be known as someone who honors their word?

3. The Day Isn't Complete Until Your Tasks Are
"Once a job is first begun, never leave it til it's done. Be the labor big or small, do it well or not at all." A phrase I heard from my late grandmother, Dorothy Wilson. Everyday will bring new challenges that will add to your to do lists and tasks, whether it's unplanned meetings, unexpected projects, or technological issues. However, you need to hold yourself accountable and realize that the job isn't complete until all your tasks are finished, even if it means working longer hours. This is a huge separator from a mediocre owner and an excellent owner. An excellent owner realizes what's most important, identifies those tasks, and finds a way to accomplish them despite what the day may bring.

4. Treat Everyone Right
Everyone means yourself, your practice, your employees, and your customers. It's as simple as the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you faithfully and truthfully follow this rule, your customers will continue to come back and your employees will be happy, which will lead to positive results for your practice and ultimately your well-being.

5. Have High Standards
"High achievers don't like mediocre people and mediocre people don't like high achievers." - Nick Saban. Hold yourself to high standards and your team and practice will follow. You are the leader and it is your responsibility, which shouldn't be taken lightly, to lead your practice in the right direction. Your actions make a difference and you have a defining impact on each person you come in contact with. How do you want to be remembered and what do you want your practice to be known for?

Being a business owner is one of the most rewarding experiences there is, you play a vital role in making an impact on so many people's lives. However, while managing your day to day operations, your time as an owner and leader needs to become more and more intentful. Make these five things part of your daily practice and watch the success grow.