Leadership Tips for New Insurance Agents
There has been a long debate about whether leaders are born or made. I believe leadership skills are learned like any other ability.
Here’s a look at five leadership skills that can help you be more successful in all aspects of your life.
1. Communication:
Each of us needs to know how to communicate effectively to go about our everyday lives. It is even more important for sales professionals. It’s essential you are able to speak and write clearly – and have your message easily understood by others. It is vital in your dealings with customers, colleagues, employees, and your personal relationships.
2. Self-awareness:
It is also important you know your strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and habits. When you understand what makes you tick, you can work to overcome those areas where you may fall short. Executive leadership coach Lolly Daskal suggests that self-awareness means everything to an individual’s ability to lead. Self-awareness is a combination of principles, purpose, and potential. Combine your personality and principles to explore and engage your role and capabilities with processes and practices to make a difference. Have a clear purpose, vision, and values to lead the way. Connect with others to unleash your combined potential and the promise to be more impactful.
3. Integrity:
Dealing honestly with others is essential. However, integrity goes beyond being truthful, authentic, and empathetic. If others view you as phony or unethical, your entire persona will be called into question.
4. Flexibility:
It may seem obvious, but flexibility is a principle that successful individuals must possess. Being able to adapt to changing technology, shifting compliance requirements, and evolving customer needs will help you be more effective and it will help you build your business.
5. Delegation:
It may be hard to admit, but you cannot do it all yourself. If you take on too much, you may not get anything done – or, at least, get it done right. Contrary to what you might think, delegation is not a sign of weakness. In fact, when done effectively, it is the sign of a strong leader. Assess the skills of your colleagues and employees, and make assignments to each based on his or her particular strengths. You can build better relationships with them, and ease some of the burden on yourself.
Of course, there are many other qualities that are also key to success in the marketplace – including respect, humility, and diplomacy. Numerous books have been written on the topic of leadership and there is no shortage of articles available online.
