The Pursuit of Excellence: A Simple Guide for Today's Insurance and Financial Professional Part 1

The Pursuit of Excellence: A Simple Guide for Today's Insurance and Financial Professional

?Part 1 – How am I contributing?

?There are three (3) categories of people:?

1) Those who make things happen;

2) Those who watch things happen; and, the overwhelming majority of

3) Those who have no idea what just happened.

?Where are you?

?In today's fast-paced society, we are confronted with the simple fact that litigation has replaced mediation, and too often shortcuts have replaced the need for hard work to accomplish a goal thoroughly. It's "hurry, hurry, hurry" and get it done! If someone gets hurt while the work is done, too bad because nothing will stand in the way of building that resume and moving up the ladder to corporate and societal status. The "me" generation has grown far too egocentric. Critics have become too popular and committed, new idea pundits regularly find themselves being pushed aside. Regardless, to reach excellence one must decide to push onward and make things happen.

?Robert Fulton was scorned when he exhibited his dream of the wonderful world of steam travel. However, Fulton would not be held back and pushed onward to make his dream a reality. As his steam-powered boat cruised the waterways, those who once jeered now stood in awe! They began to jump on the bandwagon of success that earlier each had worked so hard to destroy. Making things happen despite the pressure was what Fulton surely did.

?There once was a young man who lisped and stuttered when he spoke. During a key speech early in his career, he fainted and slumped to the floor. People laughed at this silly fool whom they knew would never make it in public life. This man became the greatest orator of his time and saved his country from destruction. His name was Sir Winston Churchill. Did he make things happen? You bet he did!

?You see, with so many politically correct and personal ego-directed things going on today, it is easy to sit back, remain silent and allow someone else to do the work. It is easy to watch things happen and then either criticize or compliment them depending upon how the event turns out. It is not uncommon for many people to remain in their own personal world and respond when asked about an issue, "Oh, I was not aware." The thought becomes, “What is not known cannot get me into any type of trouble or compromise my personal standing”. The issue becomes determining how this lack of interest impacts the future of individuals and communities.

?Complacency has proven to be a real threat to our society. A decision to become a non-player, because we feel our intervention really has no impact, is changing the face of today's business environment in a very critically adverse manner. We must face the reality that our lack of participation does greatly impact our agency team and business marketplace as a whole. In the words of noted NFL Hall of Famer, Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, "The achievements of an organization are the result of the combined efforts of each individual."

?In its most common form, it boils down to an obligation to duty. In 1941, Winston Churchill said: "The destiny of mankind is not decided by material computation. When great causes are on the move in the world, we learn we are spirits, not animals, and that something is going on in space and time, whether we like it or not spells duty."

?Today, our duty is to build and operate a well-organized, profitable multi-line agency or financial practice. Our success promotes the company's growth. By participating in our company's programs; its goals and its involvement in every aspect of the community, we become members of worthwhile organizations thriving on the premise that service can and will make a difference in the lives of our policyholders and clients.

?As business professionals, we must stop and ask ourselves the following questions:

?1)?What would others say about me: I make things happen, watch things happen or have no idea of what is going on in the life of my agency, company, or community??

2)?How effectively do I work within my agency group to promote its success by attending company meetings, sharing ideas with fellow agent professionals, and offering my service to help or mentor others?

3)?How effectively do I participate in promotional events, attend social activities, and foster the best interest of my agency and company?

4)?What actions have I taken to consistently recommend my career to others so that the industry may continue to prosper?

5)?How effectively are my goals set forth in a workable business plan?

6)?In my thoughts and plans, am I progressive or regressive toward the future?

7)?How do my attitude, work ethic, attention, care, and concern for my agency team and others, contribute to my agency being a welcoming, inviting place?

8)?What would others say about how I approach each day: excited with the start of each new day or finding excuses for not going to the office?

9)?How do I project a caring feeling toward myself, my family, my friends, and neighbors?

10)?When I look at myself in the mirror, what am I saying to myself?

?Leo Rosten, a noted writer said, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make a difference that you lived at all. Happiness means self-fulfillment and is given to those who use to the fullest whatever talents God or luck or fate bestows upon them."

?The time for action is now! It is time to get in the game of life, finding fulfillment each and every day and discovering what our duty to mankind truly is.?

?Stay tuned for Part 2 where I reveal 6 Steps to Evaluate Your Personal Fulfillment

?