Wow, it’s hard to believe that 2011 is almost over! It’s been a wild ride this year, with the many ups and downs with our economy and unusual weather across our country……. so much of this is out of our control! It just seems like none of us can ever get a break!
With the new year just around the corner, it is customary for us to make our New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s promising to go to the gym twice a week or cutting down on the potato chips, resolutions remind us of things we want to change and improve upon. They stand out as improvements in our lives that deep down we know we should try to control.
So how does this translate into a list of corporate resolutions? Let me share with you what I believe any corporation, such as an insurance company, doctor’s office, law firm, or any other service organization should have as a resolution for 2012 (or any other year for that matter):
- Honesty. My great-grandmother once said that being honest was much easier than trying to remember mistruths. Any company you work with should be honest and forthright in dealing with you. You are providing them a fee or other consideration for their services, so don’t you deserve a straight answer?
- Education. It is important in any service industry that professionals look to further their education and keep sharp on changes in the industry. Today will be yesterday tomorrow, and things can change rather quickly. We should all strive to continue learning our trades, which in turn better serves our customers.
- Excellence. Nothing makes the hair on my neck stand up more than people providing the bare minimum to their customers. Excellence is settling for nothing less than your best and there should be no compromise in providing your best effort. Customers are paying for our very best, and nothing less should ever be acceptable.
- Enjoyment. Have you ever dealt with someone that clearly does not enjoy what they do? You can hear it in their voice and see it on their face. Sure, there are various influences that affect all of us from time to time, but the customer demands our full attention and needs to know that they are important.
So what am I really trying to say? A job such as an insurance agent, attorney, doctor, banker, or salesperson at a big box electronics store requires professional conduct at all times. We need to always be fair and honest with our customers, provide the most excellent service possible, and look for ways to increase our knowledge base. No company can survive without its customers, and they should be treated like gold. There should never be a substitute for our core values.
My resolutions for 2012? I am putting down the potato chips and hitting the gym! What are your resolutions for the coming year?
May you have a joyous New Year’s holiday and a prosperous 2012!
Leave a Reply