CONSIDER THIS: THE BUCK STARTS HERE

Consider This:?The Buck Starts Here

If you’re ever near Independence, Missouri, you may want to visit?the?Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. There, you can check out exhibits, see displays, and get a deeper insight into Truman, his presidency and more.

As you pass by Truman’s desk, be sure not to miss the sign at the front of it, which offers a popular lesson in leadership: “The Buck Stops Here.”?It’s a phrase that Truman became known for, and it recognizes that, ultimately, the person in charge is responsible for whatever happens—good or bad. However, it’s a reactive motto.

Its proactive cousin might be, “The Buck Starts Here.” In this phrase lies the leadership lesson that the person in charge needs to set the direction for the organization. Few successful insurance agency principals would argue that taking ownership of direction is vital to maximizing value.

This effort begins with a vision. What does your organization stand for? Where is it headed? What will success look like when you and your team live out the vision? While others in the organization can—and should—help in spelling out the vision, in the end, it’s the principal or owner who is responsible for institutionalizing it.

Once a leader formulates the vision, the next step is sharing it. Make sure management understands the vision and how it affects day-to-day priorities and activities. Be certain that all employees understand it, as well. Find opportunities to share and reinforce the vision as often as possible and inspire your team to live it out. The vision needs to be crystal clear in the minds of all employees.

With a clear vision, it’s possible to create a mission statement—a public-facing statement that clearly and succinctly defines your organization and its purpose. The statement should be short, memorable, and most important, measurable. It serves as the foundation for your action plans and provides the benchmark against which you and your staff can execute, monitor, and adjust your plans.

This may sound simple. On paper, perhaps, it is. In reality, it requires constant attention. Successful leaders practice consistent discipline to maintain focus on the vision and mission. Leadership success involves developing the necessary skills; “sharpening the saw” in the words of Stephen Covey in his book,?The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People.

Success also calls for a relentless approach to finding, recruiting, and retaining the best talent. In addition, it requires regular reinforcement of the vision and frequent?training and education?to equip staff to live it out.

By taking a deliberate approach to the notion that “The Buck Starts Here,” you can find success and realize maximum value within your organization.?